School Climate Policy from Beaumont Elem. School in Berwyn, PA. Beaumont ranks 97 of the Top 100 Best Performing Public Schools in the U.S. at Neighborhoodscout.com.
From Beaumont Elementary School's webpage on School Climate
OLWEUS BULLYING PREVENTION PROGRAM
Beaumont is participating in the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. The program helps children understand that bullying is intentional harm-doing that is repeated over time. It occurs in a relationship in which there is an imbalance of power. Bullying affects the victims, the bullies and the bystanders. The goals of the Olweus Program are: to reduce existing bully, victim, and bystander problems among school children; prevent the development of new bully, victim, and bystander problems; improve peer relations; improve school climate. The children are learning the rules for a bully-free school.
In Beaumont we will:
not bully others.
help students who are bullied.
include students who are easily left out.
tell an adult at home and at school when we know someone is being bullied.
http://www.tesd.k12.pa.us/beaumont/Olweus%20-parent%20powerpoint.ppt
PATHS
PATHS is a science based , social-emotional learning curriculum that promotes self-control, positive self-esteem, emotional awareness, and interpersonal problem-solving. There are three main units. The self-control unit uses a metaphorical story about a young turtle who learns to stop and calm down to effectively think. The Feelings and Relationship unit focuses on teaching different affective states in a developmental hierarchy beginning with basic emotions (e.g. happy, sad, angry) and proceeding to more complex emotional states (e.g. jealous, guilty, proud). Emotions are taught using feelings faces that depict essential emotional cues. The unit teaches that all feelings are OK to have and that some feel comfortable and some feel uncomfortable. Behaviors, on the other hand, can be OK or Not OK. The emphasis is to judge or evaluate behaviors, not feelings. Feelings are signals that communicate information and can be helpful in making decisions about what to do next. The Problem-solving unit builds on the self-control unit and elaborates stop, calm down and think into 11 steps: (1) Stopping and thinking, (2)Problem identification, (3) Feeling identification, (4) Deciding on a goal, (5) Generating alternative solutions, (6) Evaluating the possible consequences of these solutions, (7)Selectingthe best solution, (8) Planning the best solutions, (9) Trying the formulated plan, (10) Evaluating the outcome, and (11) Trying another solutions and /or plan, or alternatively reevaluating the goal, if an obstacle results in failure to reach intended goal (1994 Kusche, Greenberg, Developmental Research and Programs, Inc.)
The foundation of the PATHS Curriculum is the ABCD Model of devlopment that suggests that successful coping and adaptation (healthy personality development) is pacilitated when there is a developmental integration of feelings (and emotional language), behavior, and cognitive processes. (1994 Kusche, Greenberg, Developmental Research and Programs, Inc.)
Examples of the units in the primary division (K-2) include rules, compliments, feelings, the turtle technique, sharing manners, playing fair, teasing, and listening to others. In the the upper division (3-4) the units include rules, control signal, problem solving meetings, feelings dictionary, gossip, cooperative learning skills, identifying problems, feeling, goals, and solutions, and stereotypes and discrimination.
http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/neighborhoods/school-district/ratings/worst100/
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0
comments
More than just a feel good read, it's about community outreach, partnership, and independence!
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090720/NEWS03/907200348&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090720/NEWS03/907200348&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL
Category:
0
comments
What can we expect to see?
Here's one districts take on Computer-Adaptive Growth Model Assessment:
Separating growth from value added: two academic models offer different tools for different purposes--measuring individual learning and measuring what affects learning.
Could it be true that we were shortchanging our brightest students?
Over the years a handful of parents in the Rochester, N.H., schools had complained that their high-performing children were bored by our curriculum. Because these reports were small in number, we were unsure whether they signaled a teaching problem or reflected students' desire to be entertained. These students were performing well above the 90th percentile on our standardized assessments, and the number of students moving to the top achievement levels was increasing...
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Separating+growth+from+value+added%3a+two+academic+models+offer+...-a0157588355
Here's one districts take on Computer-Adaptive Growth Model Assessment:
Separating growth from value added: two academic models offer different tools for different purposes--measuring individual learning and measuring what affects learning.
Could it be true that we were shortchanging our brightest students?
Over the years a handful of parents in the Rochester, N.H., schools had complained that their high-performing children were bored by our curriculum. Because these reports were small in number, we were unsure whether they signaled a teaching problem or reflected students' desire to be entertained. These students were performing well above the 90th percentile on our standardized assessments, and the number of students moving to the top achievement levels was increasing...
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Separating+growth+from+value+added%3a+two+academic+models+offer+...-a0157588355
Category:
0
comments
Teacher Magazine by www.edweek.org is one of my favorite sources of new ideas and research-proven methods of education.
Check out:
A GPS for Teacher Leaders
by Nancy Flanagan
In my third year of teaching, the local union president asked me if I’d like to attend a “Women in Leadership” conference sponsored by the state NEA affiliate. He offered a scholarship—and said he thought I was leadership material. Flattered, I readily accepted. In the 1970s, lots of women were interested in re-defining female roles and responsibilities. My mental picture of leadership training for women: a roomful of young, passionate teachers, re-imagining ourselves as idea generators and role models in building better schools...
Keep Reading Here:
http://www.teachermagazine.org/tm/articles/2009/07/15/tln16_flanagan.h21.html?tkn=SRWFMTJtXnUYVi92A6FhUxP0MNlHUR4YM8Gx
Check out:
A GPS for Teacher Leaders
by Nancy Flanagan
In my third year of teaching, the local union president asked me if I’d like to attend a “Women in Leadership” conference sponsored by the state NEA affiliate. He offered a scholarship—and said he thought I was leadership material. Flattered, I readily accepted. In the 1970s, lots of women were interested in re-defining female roles and responsibilities. My mental picture of leadership training for women: a roomful of young, passionate teachers, re-imagining ourselves as idea generators and role models in building better schools...
Keep Reading Here:
http://www.teachermagazine.org/tm/articles/2009/07/15/tln16_flanagan.h21.html?tkn=SRWFMTJtXnUYVi92A6FhUxP0MNlHUR4YM8Gx
Category:
0
comments
As promised, here's the rundown -
Please note, these are not official minutes, nor meant to be construed as minutes. This is my interpretation of the events of the evening, including explanations of my votes, in brief, as promised during my campaign as a method to provide accountability and transparency in my role as a board member. These comments in no way reflect the opinion of the board or district.
Started my first executive session with the Oath. Repeated it again at the beginning of public session. Public session started about 45 minutes late due to run over of executive.
For those who have been wondering - Dinner was provided by Nutrition Services and it was very healthy (salads.) I didn't participate in dinner (July 14th was my husband's 40th birthday, so we ate a quick dinner together before executive session.)
Public Session:
Board Elections
Approved Minutes of previous meetings
Presented Honor Roll Awards for Outstanding Service to out-going FRC (Financial Review Committee) Committee leaders
Boardmanship awards presented to existing board members for acquiring credits through training
Superintendent's Update - Community Consensus Plan will be fully implemented by September with the opening of Porter Rd. Elementary School.
Administrative Personnel Recommendations - Board voted to approve recommendations for Principal at Glasgow High (Edward Mayfield, current VP at Glasgow), Director for the Statewide Delaware Autism Program (Vincent Winterling) , and Director of Curriculum and Professional Development for Secondary Schools (Vilicia Cade.)
My Vote - Yes, though I contemplated abstaining. Here's why: For two of the three positions, I had firsthand knowledge gained via the interview process by participating in parent forums prior to being elected to the board, or through information received in my board packet last week that gave me insight into the needs of the position and the capabilities of the candidate. It was the third candidate that gave me pause for hesitation as I had no prior knowledge or firsthand experience with the candidate. I received copies of the application packet to fully review during Executive Session at 6 pm. I was not that I had any doubts of the candidate's ability, but rather I did not feel I had adequate time to review the material. It is what it is. I sincerely wish all three candidates success in their new positions!
Consent Agenda - Board voted to accept the consent agenda. This was another tough vote for me due to the Personnel Recommendations. I ultimately voted to accept the recommendation to prevent the Riffing of district employees.
Student Expulsions -I abstained from the vote. I did not receive the expulsion packets until Executive Session. Though I participated in the discussions, I did not feel that I had adequate time to process the material. I felt it would have been highly inappropriate to cast a vote for or against.
Well, that's a rap.
Please note, these are not official minutes, nor meant to be construed as minutes. This is my interpretation of the events of the evening, including explanations of my votes, in brief, as promised during my campaign as a method to provide accountability and transparency in my role as a board member. These comments in no way reflect the opinion of the board or district.
Started my first executive session with the Oath. Repeated it again at the beginning of public session. Public session started about 45 minutes late due to run over of executive.
For those who have been wondering - Dinner was provided by Nutrition Services and it was very healthy (salads.) I didn't participate in dinner (July 14th was my husband's 40th birthday, so we ate a quick dinner together before executive session.)
Public Session:
Board Elections
Approved Minutes of previous meetings
Presented Honor Roll Awards for Outstanding Service to out-going FRC (Financial Review Committee) Committee leaders
Boardmanship awards presented to existing board members for acquiring credits through training
Superintendent's Update - Community Consensus Plan will be fully implemented by September with the opening of Porter Rd. Elementary School.
Administrative Personnel Recommendations - Board voted to approve recommendations for Principal at Glasgow High (Edward Mayfield, current VP at Glasgow), Director for the Statewide Delaware Autism Program (Vincent Winterling) , and Director of Curriculum and Professional Development for Secondary Schools (Vilicia Cade.)
My Vote - Yes, though I contemplated abstaining. Here's why: For two of the three positions, I had firsthand knowledge gained via the interview process by participating in parent forums prior to being elected to the board, or through information received in my board packet last week that gave me insight into the needs of the position and the capabilities of the candidate. It was the third candidate that gave me pause for hesitation as I had no prior knowledge or firsthand experience with the candidate. I received copies of the application packet to fully review during Executive Session at 6 pm. I was not that I had any doubts of the candidate's ability, but rather I did not feel I had adequate time to review the material. It is what it is. I sincerely wish all three candidates success in their new positions!
Consent Agenda - Board voted to accept the consent agenda. This was another tough vote for me due to the Personnel Recommendations. I ultimately voted to accept the recommendation to prevent the Riffing of district employees.
Student Expulsions -I abstained from the vote. I did not receive the expulsion packets until Executive Session. Though I participated in the discussions, I did not feel that I had adequate time to process the material. I felt it would have been highly inappropriate to cast a vote for or against.
Well, that's a rap.
Category:
0
comments
The big day is finally here. John Young and I will both be sworn in as the newest CSD Board of Education members at tonight's School Board Meeting.
I'll be posting tonight or tomorrow the monthly meeting update, the unofficial minutes of a former observer who has now turned participant. And let's be clear about one thing: I cannot and will not post anything that is in violation of privacy laws - that means certain information relative to students and personnel is off limits. I will be honest in accounting for how I arrive at any decision or vote.
Here we go!
Here's the link to tonight's Agenda:
http://www.christina.k12.de.us/SchoolBoard/Meetings/2009/Postings-Agendas/0714.pdf
I'll be posting tonight or tomorrow the monthly meeting update, the unofficial minutes of a former observer who has now turned participant. And let's be clear about one thing: I cannot and will not post anything that is in violation of privacy laws - that means certain information relative to students and personnel is off limits. I will be honest in accounting for how I arrive at any decision or vote.
Here we go!
Here's the link to tonight's Agenda:
http://www.christina.k12.de.us/SchoolBoard/Meetings/2009/Postings-Agendas/0714.pdf
Category:
0
comments
Busy Week Ahead!
Here's the schedule:
Monday - Agenda Prep 12 pm
Tuesday - Executive Board Meeting, 6:00 pm, Kirk Middle School
Public Board Meeting, 7:30 pm, Kirk Middle School
Wednesday - Planning to attend the Financial Review Committee meeting at 5:30 pm, Eden Center.
Here's the schedule:
Monday - Agenda Prep 12 pm
Tuesday - Executive Board Meeting, 6:00 pm, Kirk Middle School
Public Board Meeting, 7:30 pm, Kirk Middle School
Wednesday - Planning to attend the Financial Review Committee meeting at 5:30 pm, Eden Center.
Category:
0
comments
Standard 1: Welcoming all families into the school community—Families are active participants in the life of the school, and feel welcomed, valued, and connected to each other, to school staff, and to what students are learning and doing in class.Standard 2: Communicating effectively—Families and school staff engage in regular, two-way, meaningful communication about student learning.
Standard 3: Supporting student success—Families and school staff continuously collaborate to support students’ learning and healthy development both at home and at school, and have regular opportunities to strengthen their knowledge and skills to do so effectively.
Standard 4: Speaking up for every child—Families are empowered to be advocates for their own and other children, to ensure that students are treated fairly and have access to learning opportunities that will support their success.
Standard 5: Sharing power—Families and school staff are equal partners in decisions that affect children and families and together inform, influence, and create policies, practices, and programs.
Standard 6: Collaborating with community—Families and school staff collaborate with community members to connect students, families, and staff to expanded learning opportunities, community services, and civic participation.
For more go here:
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0
comments
Thank You, Steve, for you thorough response!
Cleary the practice of social promotion causes many problems. Whether it’s an officially sanctioned process, or one that teachers have merely become accustomed to, social promotion undermines student achievement and teacher morale.
But now let’s look at the situation from where a principal or superintendent might sit. What would happen if we instantly combined high expectations and more rigorous curriculum with accurate grading in low-achieving schools? Over 3-5 year’s time we’d see over-crowded elementary schools and near-empty high schools. Logistically, this is a non-starter. Hence, the culture of social promotion has a practical, albeit pernicious, aspect.
Now, logistical reasons are no excuse for such a heinous practice. But this conundrum does bring to mind a very serious and important issue: we can’t structure out way out of reform. Testing, standards, charters, vouchers, and merit pay are all structural reforms. But school, being the slippery beast that it is, defies restructuring.
Our only hope is to teach our way out.
But we can be even more thoughtful than that. If we acknowledge that literacy is the foundation of academic success, and if we acknowledge the brain window for language learning, and if we acknowledge the traditions of elementary school teaching and the natural separation of instructional styles that seems to occur after 3rd grade, we can make simple plans for solid interventions early enough in kids’ lives that strategies like social promotion would be unnecessary.
There are two key places to intervene in a young student’s learning life: at the beginning of 1st grade and at the end of 3rd. It is perfectly reasonable to get kids extra help in the first half of first grade if they are not yet reading and writing independently. And it is perfectly reasonable to retain less successful 3rd graders for an additional year if they have not yet become confident chapter book readers and conventional writers of multi-paragraph essays.
At the same time, we can do several things that make intervention and retention much less likely. First of all, we could concentrate professional development in literacy at the primary grades. Bringing teachers of young children up to speed with the latest and best methods like Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop would improve outcomes tremendously. Second, we can move our most successful teachers to first and third grade. And finally, we can employ the use of high quality early interventions like Reading Recovery for kids who are struggling out of the gate.
The root cause of social promotion is not poor kids, it’s poor teaching. Until we recognize the connection here and actually do something about it, schools with many under-performing children have no logistically sound approach but to pass kids along year after year. This reality does not excuse what is surely a detestable behavior but seeing it for what it is and why it exists should heighten for all of us the importance of making sure our teaching – especially in literacy at the early grades – needs a serious overhaul.
Cleary the practice of social promotion causes many problems. Whether it’s an officially sanctioned process, or one that teachers have merely become accustomed to, social promotion undermines student achievement and teacher morale.
But now let’s look at the situation from where a principal or superintendent might sit. What would happen if we instantly combined high expectations and more rigorous curriculum with accurate grading in low-achieving schools? Over 3-5 year’s time we’d see over-crowded elementary schools and near-empty high schools. Logistically, this is a non-starter. Hence, the culture of social promotion has a practical, albeit pernicious, aspect.
Now, logistical reasons are no excuse for such a heinous practice. But this conundrum does bring to mind a very serious and important issue: we can’t structure out way out of reform. Testing, standards, charters, vouchers, and merit pay are all structural reforms. But school, being the slippery beast that it is, defies restructuring.
Our only hope is to teach our way out.
But we can be even more thoughtful than that. If we acknowledge that literacy is the foundation of academic success, and if we acknowledge the brain window for language learning, and if we acknowledge the traditions of elementary school teaching and the natural separation of instructional styles that seems to occur after 3rd grade, we can make simple plans for solid interventions early enough in kids’ lives that strategies like social promotion would be unnecessary.
There are two key places to intervene in a young student’s learning life: at the beginning of 1st grade and at the end of 3rd. It is perfectly reasonable to get kids extra help in the first half of first grade if they are not yet reading and writing independently. And it is perfectly reasonable to retain less successful 3rd graders for an additional year if they have not yet become confident chapter book readers and conventional writers of multi-paragraph essays.
At the same time, we can do several things that make intervention and retention much less likely. First of all, we could concentrate professional development in literacy at the primary grades. Bringing teachers of young children up to speed with the latest and best methods like Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop would improve outcomes tremendously. Second, we can move our most successful teachers to first and third grade. And finally, we can employ the use of high quality early interventions like Reading Recovery for kids who are struggling out of the gate.
The root cause of social promotion is not poor kids, it’s poor teaching. Until we recognize the connection here and actually do something about it, schools with many under-performing children have no logistically sound approach but to pass kids along year after year. This reality does not excuse what is surely a detestable behavior but seeing it for what it is and why it exists should heighten for all of us the importance of making sure our teaching – especially in literacy at the early grades – needs a serious overhaul.
Category:
Christina School District,
DOE,
Education,
Social Promotion,
Solutions,
Steve Peha,
Teachers
0
comments
I was asked a great question this week:
Who do you think runs a district, the School Board or the District Administration?
The Short Answer:
The BOE is charged with creating the policies by which the district shall run. Some of those policies will be dictated by Delaware State Code. It is the Superintendent's responsibility, through direction to the administration, to employ and enforce those policies.
But, it doesn't look that way ...
So what do you think? Does the Board or the District Administration run the CSD?
Who do you think runs a district, the School Board or the District Administration?
The Short Answer:
The BOE is charged with creating the policies by which the district shall run. Some of those policies will be dictated by Delaware State Code. It is the Superintendent's responsibility, through direction to the administration, to employ and enforce those policies.
But, it doesn't look that way ...
So what do you think? Does the Board or the District Administration run the CSD?
Category:
0
comments
Marcia Lyles hit the ground running, finding time on her first day to visit Bancroft Elementary and make herself accessible to a News Journal reporter.
Welcome Aboard Marcia!
Welcome Aboard Marcia!
Category:
0
comments
Red Clay has a new approach to summer school -- preteaching at-risk students. Will it work?
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009906280323
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009906280323
Category:
Christina,
Christina School District,
Red Clay,
Summer School
1 comments
La. High School Diploma Plan Goes to Jindal
By The Associated Press via Education Week
Baton Rouge, La.
Louisiana will have a new diploma for public school students, who will face less-stringent requirements for English and math, if Gov. Bobby Jindal approves an education bill approved by the full Legislature.
read the rest of the story here: http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/06/23/283680lxgrdiplomachanges_ap.html
By The Associated Press via Education Week
Baton Rouge, La.
Louisiana will have a new diploma for public school students, who will face less-stringent requirements for English and math, if Gov. Bobby Jindal approves an education bill approved by the full Legislature.
read the rest of the story here: http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/06/23/283680lxgrdiplomachanges_ap.html
Category:
Christina School District,
Curriculum,
Delaware,
Diploma,
La.,
Louisiana
1 comments
From the Philadelphia Inquirer:
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/48695437.html?page=1&c=y
Sources tell me it's alive and well in Delaware, too.
What do you think?
More News from PA:
Administration Shelves Pa. Graduation Exam Plan
By The Associated Press via Education Week
Harrisburg, Pa.
The Rendell administration Monday temporarily shelved plans to develop graduation competency exams for Pennsylvania high school students in hopes of making peace with legislative critics who felt the administration was moving too fast.
Read the article here:
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/06/22/283357pgraduationexams_ap.html
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/48695437.html?page=1&c=y
Sources tell me it's alive and well in Delaware, too.
What do you think?
More News from PA:
Administration Shelves Pa. Graduation Exam Plan
By The Associated Press via Education Week
Harrisburg, Pa.
The Rendell administration Monday temporarily shelved plans to develop graduation competency exams for Pennsylvania high school students in hopes of making peace with legislative critics who felt the administration was moving too fast.
Read the article here:
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/06/22/283357pgraduationexams_ap.html
Category:
Christina Education Association,
Christina School District,
Delaware,
Diploma,
Graduation,
Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia,
Social Promotion
3
comments
After an informative presentation at the Board Meeting last night, CSD BOE voted to accept to the district recommendation that the 2009/10 tax warrant maintain the same levels as the 2008/09 warrant. For CSD tax payers, there will be no increase to school taxes.
Of note, the district cited 1% increase in revenue from taxes due to new construction, both residential and commercial (thank you Home Depot.)
On the down side, the closing of the Chrysler Plant in Newark could lead to a $1 million loss in revenue. After consulting with the State Auditor and Department of Education, the value of the former Chrysler property was not included in the calculations. The district will cease to receive revenue from the site if it is purchased by a non-for-profit entity such as the University of Delaware, the apparent fore-funner in current real estate negotiations. Furthermore, a for-profit successor entity to Chrysler could choose to level the plant, remove all the buildings, and leave the land with little to no taxable value for the purpose of school taxes.
I hope to delve a little deeper into the tax warrant in the coming days, to explain the more complicated portions of the formula. But, first I need to fact check for accuracy.
As for the board meeting itself, it started forty minutes late, indicating that executive session prior to the meeting ran long. In-coming Superintendent Marcia Lyles was again in attendance. During public comment the Board acknowledged outgoing member Beverly Howell for her years of service. The other noteworthy action of the night, voting on the consent agenda, was complicated by the decision to table all of Item B - Bid Awards for Foreign Language Translators, Elementary Counseling Services, Behavior Intervention Specialist Services, In School Alternative Program, and Student Support Services [ whose job it is to "assist building staff in monitoring in various capacities such as Hall Monitor and In School Suspension Monitor" (6/23/09, School Board Meeting Agenda, p. 4, BID #CSD-2009-05.)] The vote was 4-2 in favor of tabling.
Of note, the district cited 1% increase in revenue from taxes due to new construction, both residential and commercial (thank you Home Depot.)
On the down side, the closing of the Chrysler Plant in Newark could lead to a $1 million loss in revenue. After consulting with the State Auditor and Department of Education, the value of the former Chrysler property was not included in the calculations. The district will cease to receive revenue from the site if it is purchased by a non-for-profit entity such as the University of Delaware, the apparent fore-funner in current real estate negotiations. Furthermore, a for-profit successor entity to Chrysler could choose to level the plant, remove all the buildings, and leave the land with little to no taxable value for the purpose of school taxes.
I hope to delve a little deeper into the tax warrant in the coming days, to explain the more complicated portions of the formula. But, first I need to fact check for accuracy.
As for the board meeting itself, it started forty minutes late, indicating that executive session prior to the meeting ran long. In-coming Superintendent Marcia Lyles was again in attendance. During public comment the Board acknowledged outgoing member Beverly Howell for her years of service. The other noteworthy action of the night, voting on the consent agenda, was complicated by the decision to table all of Item B - Bid Awards for Foreign Language Translators, Elementary Counseling Services, Behavior Intervention Specialist Services, In School Alternative Program, and Student Support Services [ whose job it is to "assist building staff in monitoring in various capacities such as Hall Monitor and In School Suspension Monitor" (6/23/09, School Board Meeting Agenda, p. 4, BID #CSD-2009-05.)] The vote was 4-2 in favor of tabling.
Category:
Budget,
Christina,
CSD,
CSD Board Meeting,
Marcia Lyles,
Tax,
Tax Waiver
0
comments
I had the pleasure of meeting with district officials, yesterday. It was an opportunity to learn more about the individual facets of school administration, policy, programming, and finance.
It was a friendly and informational meeting. Thank You to those who found time in their busy day to meet with me. I look forward to July, when I can formally reach out to our local level administration, such building principals and program leaders, to learn more of their day-to-day challenges and successes.
And while I am on this page, if there are particular areas that you deem in my interest to learn more about, this is a great time to share it with me. At the bottom of this post you can anonymously submit a public comment. I do moderate comments before posting for inappropriate language and I do respect that some folks like their concerns to remain confidential as they are situation-specific.
It was a friendly and informational meeting. Thank You to those who found time in their busy day to meet with me. I look forward to July, when I can formally reach out to our local level administration, such building principals and program leaders, to learn more of their day-to-day challenges and successes.
And while I am on this page, if there are particular areas that you deem in my interest to learn more about, this is a great time to share it with me. At the bottom of this post you can anonymously submit a public comment. I do moderate comments before posting for inappropriate language and I do respect that some folks like their concerns to remain confidential as they are situation-specific.
Category:
0
comments
CSD will host a Community/Parent Meeting to gather imput for Fiscal Year 2010 planning and Consolidated Grant Application development.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
6 pm at Gauger-Cobbs
According to the CSD website, you can contact Andy Hegedus, Supervisor of Grants at (302)552-2601 for more information.
----------------------------------------------------
So, what is the Consolidated Grant Application? Basically, it's the success plan that is key to the receipt of funding for Delaware's School Districts. Of the online documents I viewed, the following is probably the best explanation:
http://www.doe.k12.de.us/infosuites/staff/si/comp_of_SI/ca/files/Success%20Plan%20Guiding%20Questions%20WEB1.pdf
Thursday, June 25, 2009
6 pm at Gauger-Cobbs
According to the CSD website, you can contact Andy Hegedus, Supervisor of Grants at (302)552-2601 for more information.
----------------------------------------------------
So, what is the Consolidated Grant Application? Basically, it's the success plan that is key to the receipt of funding for Delaware's School Districts. Of the online documents I viewed, the following is probably the best explanation:
http://www.doe.k12.de.us/infosuites/staff/si/comp_of_SI/ca/files/Success%20Plan%20Guiding%20Questions%20WEB1.pdf
Category:
Christina,
Christina School District,
CSD,
Delaware,
Grants,
LEA,
Title I Funding
0
comments
From time to time, I have the honor of doing business with a fantastic mom and pop shop. You know the ones I'm talking about - good folks homegrown in our state competing with the likes of Walmart and other super box stores for their livelihood. Now wait, I admit it, I shop at Walmart for the good deals they offer. Who can afford more in these economic times?
But, the moms and pops, they are the heart and soul of Delaware's business community. They are out there working for their families and yours. So, today, I wanted to pass along the name of a business that I have found to be fantastic -- Premier Fleet Services. Okay, why would I need to do business with a fleet service company? The mouse-mobile - our affectionately-named Saturn sedan for the family of furries who took up residence in our air filter during my first pregnancy, the duration of which I spent on bedrest - and our SUV dubbed mamma's-car by DS, hardly qualify as a fleet. Despite my less-than-a-fleet status, Premier has repeatedly arrived in my driveway, promptly to change my oil and make the many needed repairs that come with vehicle ownership.
Here's the backstory - Premier, family-run from their shop in Claymont, started serving fleets in Delaware a couple years back. Like so many, they've been hit hard by the economy and have had to reinvent themeselves to keep the business afloat, now offering residential services. They come to you! (which was a real life saver when, with two kids in the car, the radiator blew on I-95 on the hotest day of last summer.)
I really like these folks, they are hard, dedicated workers who offer extremely fair prices. And because I totally support those in Delaware who operate A+ businesses, I wanted to pass along my great experiences. And for those who are wondering, I have not been offered, not would I ever accept, a payback for this plug or any other.
Premier Fleet Services
Ask for Dave!
(302)793-3500
950 Ridge Rd
Unit A-5
Claymont, 19703
But, the moms and pops, they are the heart and soul of Delaware's business community. They are out there working for their families and yours. So, today, I wanted to pass along the name of a business that I have found to be fantastic -- Premier Fleet Services. Okay, why would I need to do business with a fleet service company? The mouse-mobile - our affectionately-named Saturn sedan for the family of furries who took up residence in our air filter during my first pregnancy, the duration of which I spent on bedrest - and our SUV dubbed mamma's-car by DS, hardly qualify as a fleet. Despite my less-than-a-fleet status, Premier has repeatedly arrived in my driveway, promptly to change my oil and make the many needed repairs that come with vehicle ownership.
Here's the backstory - Premier, family-run from their shop in Claymont, started serving fleets in Delaware a couple years back. Like so many, they've been hit hard by the economy and have had to reinvent themeselves to keep the business afloat, now offering residential services. They come to you! (which was a real life saver when, with two kids in the car, the radiator blew on I-95 on the hotest day of last summer.)
I really like these folks, they are hard, dedicated workers who offer extremely fair prices. And because I totally support those in Delaware who operate A+ businesses, I wanted to pass along my great experiences. And for those who are wondering, I have not been offered, not would I ever accept, a payback for this plug or any other.
Premier Fleet Services
Ask for Dave!
(302)793-3500
950 Ridge Rd
Unit A-5
Claymont, 19703
Like most parents with children home for the summer, we've been busy! My daughter participates Extended School Year (ESY) services, so our breaks are very disjointed as we cram a summer's worth of fun into a few weeks in June and August. After taking our Girls Scout troop to Dutch Wonderland, hosting our son's 3rd birthday, re-homing a stray dog, attending an award dinner, repairing our car, and shivering through a cold, wet day at Sesame Place, things are finally quieting down.
DD (Dear Daughter) starts ESY Monday, DS (Dear Son) will spend the morning with a wonderful family friend, and I will be at district offices for an orientation meeting with administration. I will officially enter into the capacity of BOE member on July 1st. Both John Young, the other incoming Board member, and I will be sworn in at the School Board Meeting scheduled for July 14th at Kirk.
Moving on ... Legislative Notes:
SB 151, which permits the use of fed. stim. funds for incentive programs for teachers and SB 149, which allows the Delaware Department of Education to deny teaching licenses to non-public school teachers if they don't meet the requirements, passed in the Senate. Both bills are headed to the House for consideration.
The long-awaited HB 119, in its substituted form, is moving to the Senate for a vote. In sum, it gives districts more control in how they allocate their state funds.
On Tuesday, Rep. D. Scott filed HB 231, a bill that would permit parents to take unpaid leave to attend school conferences and activities. It's goal is to give working parents a means to participate in the education of their children. It's a great concept. But, until we pay folks a livable wage or employ a flexible work , it's still going to be tough for parents take time away from work. That said, we need our families to be active in our schools, now, more than ever! I am a firm believer that it takes a village to raise a child and through community, educational, and family partnerships, we ensure the best outcomes for all children!
DD (Dear Daughter) starts ESY Monday, DS (Dear Son) will spend the morning with a wonderful family friend, and I will be at district offices for an orientation meeting with administration. I will officially enter into the capacity of BOE member on July 1st. Both John Young, the other incoming Board member, and I will be sworn in at the School Board Meeting scheduled for July 14th at Kirk.
Moving on ... Legislative Notes:
SB 151, which permits the use of fed. stim. funds for incentive programs for teachers and SB 149, which allows the Delaware Department of Education to deny teaching licenses to non-public school teachers if they don't meet the requirements, passed in the Senate. Both bills are headed to the House for consideration.
The long-awaited HB 119, in its substituted form, is moving to the Senate for a vote. In sum, it gives districts more control in how they allocate their state funds.
On Tuesday, Rep. D. Scott filed HB 231, a bill that would permit parents to take unpaid leave to attend school conferences and activities. It's goal is to give working parents a means to participate in the education of their children. It's a great concept. But, until we pay folks a livable wage or employ a flexible work , it's still going to be tough for parents take time away from work. That said, we need our families to be active in our schools, now, more than ever! I am a firm believer that it takes a village to raise a child and through community, educational, and family partnerships, we ensure the best outcomes for all children!
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0
comments
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009906120340
Check out the right sidebar to see how Delaware ranks regionally.
Check out the right sidebar to see how Delaware ranks regionally.
Category:
0
comments
See how and when the other 49 states, Guam ,and the Virgin Islands elect/appoint their school board members:
http://www.nsba.org/MainMenu/SchoolLaw/Issues/Governance/Resources/electionschart.aspx
My opinion is that Delaware is bucking the trend. Seems most states that hold November School Board Elections do so in the odd number years - meaning they will never correspond with the general election. HB 117 will move all of Delaware's elections to the general election every four years.
The Big Question: The House passed it, will the Senate kill it in committee?
http://www.nsba.org/MainMenu/SchoolLaw/Issues/Governance/Resources/electionschart.aspx
My opinion is that Delaware is bucking the trend. Seems most states that hold November School Board Elections do so in the odd number years - meaning they will never correspond with the general election. HB 117 will move all of Delaware's elections to the general election every four years.
The Big Question: The House passed it, will the Senate kill it in committee?
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0
comments
With a legislative transparency bill arriving any day on Gov. Markell's desk for signature, I thought I'd check out how Delaware stacks up nationally. This is an awesome easy to use guide, worth the read, and save the link.
The Open Government Guide at http://www.rcfp.org/ogg/index.php?
Published by: The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
The Open Government Guide is a complete compendium of information on every state's open records and open meetings laws. Each state's section is arranged according to a standard outline, making it easy to compare laws in various states. If you're a new user of this guide, be sure to read the Introductory Note and User's Guide.
I found this site via the Northwest Education Law Blog based out of Oregon :
http://www.northwesteducationlaw.com/articles/oregon/
The Open Government Guide at http://www.rcfp.org/ogg/index.php?
Published by: The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
The Open Government Guide is a complete compendium of information on every state's open records and open meetings laws. Each state's section is arranged according to a standard outline, making it easy to compare laws in various states. If you're a new user of this guide, be sure to read the Introductory Note and User's Guide.
I found this site via the Northwest Education Law Blog based out of Oregon :
http://www.northwesteducationlaw.com/articles/oregon/
Category:
CSD,
Delaware,
legislation,
transparency
0
comments
Here's an official Children and Educators First! Welcome to Dr. Marcia Lyles - in town, scoping out the new digs in prep for her July move. Brief introductions were had before Dr. Lyles was swept away by the attention-seekers.
A brief word of thanks to David Resler, acting board president, for publicly explaining the back story to consent agenda votes. Issues are debated and questions posed during executive session prior to the public meeting where the board then votes. Not exactly transparent, as the questions and answers never reach the public's ears, but the explanation is appreciated.
Moving along - What bucket of money is the funding for the new computers in our elementary schools coming from? Will they be new or refurbished? How old are they? How are we disposing of existing technology? Just a few questions brought to mind by Shirley Saffer's public request for information during the Board Member Requests portion of the evening.
A brief word of thanks to David Resler, acting board president, for publicly explaining the back story to consent agenda votes. Issues are debated and questions posed during executive session prior to the public meeting where the board then votes. Not exactly transparent, as the questions and answers never reach the public's ears, but the explanation is appreciated.
Moving along - What bucket of money is the funding for the new computers in our elementary schools coming from? Will they be new or refurbished? How old are they? How are we disposing of existing technology? Just a few questions brought to mind by Shirley Saffer's public request for information during the Board Member Requests portion of the evening.
Category:
Christina,
CSD,
Marcia Lyles,
Marcia V. Lyles,
School Board
1 comments
I am in no way accusing DE's school system of making these mistakes. (Good God, I shouldn't even need to make that disclaimer, but I know there are those who will ask what is she insinuating?)
I am presenting this article from Wright's Law Special Ed Advocate simple as food for thought. The end of the school year is always the right time to reflect on challenges encountered:
Mistakes People Make - School Districts
by Robert K. Crabtree, Esq.
Anything a school system does that undermines parents' trust creates a climate that is costly in dollars, time, peace of mind, and the quality and success of services given to the child.
Here are the most significant school system mistakes, according to persons at every level of the system:
1. Refusing to let parents or parents' experts see programs, either within or outside of the school system. When school systems tightly restrict the parents' access to their own programs, the parents wonder what they are hiding and assume the worst; when they refuse to clear the way for parents to see an outside program, the parents will assume that the grass is greener over there;
2. Failing or refusing to communicate and actively coordinate with outside experts working with the child, such as the child's therapist or a tutor;
3. Ignoring reports from independent evaluators; failing to speak to those evaluators to clarify ambiguous information or recommendations; failing to add the evaluator's recommendations to the IEP when reasonable;
4. Failing to respond to parents in writing or at a meeting when a problem arises;
5. Taking a patronizing and/or antagonistic and/or insulting attitude toward parents; personalizing issues between school and parents; attempting to blame parents for their children's educational failures rather than looking for solutions (school system professionals need to treat parents with respect even if those parents are insulting and belligerent themselves);
6. Sweating the small stuff (e.g., spending twenty minutes at a team meeting arguing about whether the meeting can be tape-recorded);
7. Failing to observe procedural timelines and notice requirements (e.g., scheduling timely meetings, getting evaluations to the parents before the team meeting, notifying the parents who will attend the meeting, providing clear written explanations of parent rights);
8. Writing careless and sloppy IEPs. Parents, evaluators, and hearing officers all look first at the extent to which the written IEP reflects a thorough and logically coherent view of the child, the goals and objectives for that child's program, and a clear and understandable description of what will be provided, how, by whom, and when; and how the child's program will be evaluated;
9. Failing to implement an IEP and, worse, trying to cover up that failure;
10. Failing to modify an IEP that is not working and waiting, instead, for the program - and the child - to collapse;
11. Failing to provide additional or different services as a way to avoid having to make more restrictive (and expensive) outside placements;
12. Failing to call in expert consultants from outside the school system with good reputations among both school and parent communities who can help develop or monitor a program for a child with unusual needs;
13. Losing contact with families who have placed their child unilaterally. Some school systems forget or ignore their continuing responsibility to evaluate, review, and propose IEPs for children when they are attending outside placements at their parents' expense;
14. Botching the required procedures around suspension or expulsion of students with identified or suspected special education needs (e.g., failing to convene the team, failing to make a manifestation determination, failing to re-examine the IEP to see if services are appropriate and have actually been provided, failure to provide FAPE to suspended or expelled students with special education needs;
15. Failing to ensure that non-special education administrators - particularly building principals - are fully informed about and are following the required special education policies and procedures.
I am presenting this article from Wright's Law Special Ed Advocate simple as food for thought. The end of the school year is always the right time to reflect on challenges encountered:
Mistakes People Make - School Districts
by Robert K. Crabtree, Esq.
Anything a school system does that undermines parents' trust creates a climate that is costly in dollars, time, peace of mind, and the quality and success of services given to the child.
Here are the most significant school system mistakes, according to persons at every level of the system:
1. Refusing to let parents or parents' experts see programs, either within or outside of the school system. When school systems tightly restrict the parents' access to their own programs, the parents wonder what they are hiding and assume the worst; when they refuse to clear the way for parents to see an outside program, the parents will assume that the grass is greener over there;
2. Failing or refusing to communicate and actively coordinate with outside experts working with the child, such as the child's therapist or a tutor;
3. Ignoring reports from independent evaluators; failing to speak to those evaluators to clarify ambiguous information or recommendations; failing to add the evaluator's recommendations to the IEP when reasonable;
4. Failing to respond to parents in writing or at a meeting when a problem arises;
5. Taking a patronizing and/or antagonistic and/or insulting attitude toward parents; personalizing issues between school and parents; attempting to blame parents for their children's educational failures rather than looking for solutions (school system professionals need to treat parents with respect even if those parents are insulting and belligerent themselves);
6. Sweating the small stuff (e.g., spending twenty minutes at a team meeting arguing about whether the meeting can be tape-recorded);
7. Failing to observe procedural timelines and notice requirements (e.g., scheduling timely meetings, getting evaluations to the parents before the team meeting, notifying the parents who will attend the meeting, providing clear written explanations of parent rights);
8. Writing careless and sloppy IEPs. Parents, evaluators, and hearing officers all look first at the extent to which the written IEP reflects a thorough and logically coherent view of the child, the goals and objectives for that child's program, and a clear and understandable description of what will be provided, how, by whom, and when; and how the child's program will be evaluated;
9. Failing to implement an IEP and, worse, trying to cover up that failure;
10. Failing to modify an IEP that is not working and waiting, instead, for the program - and the child - to collapse;
11. Failing to provide additional or different services as a way to avoid having to make more restrictive (and expensive) outside placements;
12. Failing to call in expert consultants from outside the school system with good reputations among both school and parent communities who can help develop or monitor a program for a child with unusual needs;
13. Losing contact with families who have placed their child unilaterally. Some school systems forget or ignore their continuing responsibility to evaluate, review, and propose IEPs for children when they are attending outside placements at their parents' expense;
14. Botching the required procedures around suspension or expulsion of students with identified or suspected special education needs (e.g., failing to convene the team, failing to make a manifestation determination, failing to re-examine the IEP to see if services are appropriate and have actually been provided, failure to provide FAPE to suspended or expelled students with special education needs;
15. Failing to ensure that non-special education administrators - particularly building principals - are fully informed about and are following the required special education policies and procedures.
Category:
Christina School District,
Delaware Department of Education,
Special Education,
Wright's Law
0
comments
If you attended the University of Delaware, chances are you remember Math 114. And if you took M114, you ought to have fond memories of the Math Lab in Pearson Hall. I was never a strong student in Math, I suffered through Algebra I in high school. I was a visual learner and couldn't "see" the concepts in flat textbooks. The University's Math Labs changed that with their computer-based imaging software and visual applications.
So, when I learned about a school district in Westport, Massachusetts, who had given the heave-ho to texts, I was intrigued. Talk about putting resources in the hands of a teacher. Westport spend $75,000 to redesign their Algebra curriculum paring it down to the most crucial concepts and creating content for an online class. Half that money went to paying teachers during the summer to work on the program, the other half went to the software company who incorporated it into an existing model.
So far, so good. Students, parents, and teachers have given the new design a nod of approval. Standardized test scores are up and student are engaged. Less time is spent "reviewing" during Algebra II because they spend their time in Algebra I developing a strong understanding of the core principles. Yes, they have identified some weaknesses in the program itself, areas where more practice problems are needed. But, that's not a killer problem to fix.
The only detractor thus far: The textbook manufacturer from whom the district is no longer purchasing textbooks.
Check out a recent article in the New York Times and start thinking Education Stimulus Aid:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/08/education/08math.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=education
So, when I learned about a school district in Westport, Massachusetts, who had given the heave-ho to texts, I was intrigued. Talk about putting resources in the hands of a teacher. Westport spend $75,000 to redesign their Algebra curriculum paring it down to the most crucial concepts and creating content for an online class. Half that money went to paying teachers during the summer to work on the program, the other half went to the software company who incorporated it into an existing model.So far, so good. Students, parents, and teachers have given the new design a nod of approval. Standardized test scores are up and student are engaged. Less time is spent "reviewing" during Algebra II because they spend their time in Algebra I developing a strong understanding of the core principles. Yes, they have identified some weaknesses in the program itself, areas where more practice problems are needed. But, that's not a killer problem to fix.
The only detractor thus far: The textbook manufacturer from whom the district is no longer purchasing textbooks.
Check out a recent article in the New York Times and start thinking Education Stimulus Aid:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/08/education/08math.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=education
Category:
0
comments
http://onefightmore.blogspot.com/ on DE Tax System, Fairness and Efficiency. Fascinating read.
Category:
0
comments
Another look at the DSTP data for the Christina School District:
In Fall of 2006, 4th graders scored at 88.8% meeting or exceeding science standard.
Those same students were tested in the Fall of 2008 as 6th graders and scored at 66% meeting or exceeding science standards. In the course of 2 years, 22% stopped meeting/exceeding standard.
In Fall of '06, 68.3% of fourth graders met or exceeded state social studies standard. In the Fall of 08, 52.1% of those students, as sixth graders , met or exceeded the standard. That is a decrease of 16.2%
My thoughts: Clearly something is happening between fourth grade and sixth, something is not working. A double digit rise in failure rates give me great concern. Whether you like the test or not, it's what we have and we need to focus on why these students are failing to make progress and even regressing. It's time to revisit our strategic plan, because at this rate, we will never attain the goals outlined in the CSD plan.
While many are assuming the DCAS test will replace the DSTP, we cannot operate on that assumption. Nor do we know that our students will score better using the DCAS model. We need to plan now on how to move the resources into the classrooms that our teachers need to educate our students!
In Fall of 2006, 4th graders scored at 88.8% meeting or exceeding science standard.
Those same students were tested in the Fall of 2008 as 6th graders and scored at 66% meeting or exceeding science standards. In the course of 2 years, 22% stopped meeting/exceeding standard.
In Fall of '06, 68.3% of fourth graders met or exceeded state social studies standard. In the Fall of 08, 52.1% of those students, as sixth graders , met or exceeded the standard. That is a decrease of 16.2%
My thoughts: Clearly something is happening between fourth grade and sixth, something is not working. A double digit rise in failure rates give me great concern. Whether you like the test or not, it's what we have and we need to focus on why these students are failing to make progress and even regressing. It's time to revisit our strategic plan, because at this rate, we will never attain the goals outlined in the CSD plan.
While many are assuming the DCAS test will replace the DSTP, we cannot operate on that assumption. Nor do we know that our students will score better using the DCAS model. We need to plan now on how to move the resources into the classrooms that our teachers need to educate our students!
Delaware DSTP Scores are available at: http://dstp.doe.k12.de.us/DSTPmart9/summaryByDist.aspx
Whether you like the DSTP or not, it's the only statewide standardized test in Delaware.
Here's an early summary of Christina:
4th Grade Science: 87.45% Meets or exceeds standard. We have the lowest meets/exceed percentage in the state. Red Clay comes in at 88.05% and Colonial scored 89.93%.
6th Grade Science: 66.03% Meets or exceeds standard. We again scored lowest in the state. Red Clay scored 77.02% and Colonial reached 72.91%
4th Grade Social Studies: We faired better in Social Students with 65.81% meeting or exceeding the standard, placing Christina eleventh of fifteen districts.
6th Grade Social Studies: 52.1% Meets or exceeds standard. We came in at 14 of 15 with only Laurel School District scoring lower than we did. Ouch!
Whether you like the DSTP or not, it's the only statewide standardized test in Delaware.
Here's an early summary of Christina:
4th Grade Science: 87.45% Meets or exceeds standard. We have the lowest meets/exceed percentage in the state. Red Clay comes in at 88.05% and Colonial scored 89.93%.
6th Grade Science: 66.03% Meets or exceeds standard. We again scored lowest in the state. Red Clay scored 77.02% and Colonial reached 72.91%
4th Grade Social Studies: We faired better in Social Students with 65.81% meeting or exceeding the standard, placing Christina eleventh of fifteen districts.
6th Grade Social Studies: 52.1% Meets or exceeds standard. We came in at 14 of 15 with only Laurel School District scoring lower than we did. Ouch!
Category:
0
comments
We saw our first saucer house while vacationing in the Outer Banks some years back. It was roadside in Frisco, gleaming silver and quite a curiosity.The neat thing: Delaware has not just one rare Futuro, but two! Here's a photo of the Houston, Delaware Futuro and a link to a News Journal story about the home and owners. Quite a read!
Photo from http://www.futurohouse.com/northam.html You can also check out pics of the Saucer House in Lewes, DE.
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070415/NEWS/704150338
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0
comments
SB 140
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION.
Synopsis:
This Bill would reduce from 3 to 2 the number of residents from New Castle County outside the City of Wilmington on the State Board of Education, and would add an at large member. This change better reflects the current population of the three counties and provides the Governor with the flexibility to appoint an at large board member on the basis of qualifications, need or population shift.
SB 147
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE, RELATING TO AN EARLY RETIREMENT INCENTIVE FOR STATE EMPLOYEES AND THE CREATION OF A NEW TIER OF BENEFITS FOR NEW EMPLOYEES.
Synopsis:
This Act provides a retirement incentive of 2 additional years of service to employees in the State Employees Pension Plan that retire on 6/30/09. There is also a new tier of benefits created for employees hired after 7/1/09.
SB127
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS OF VOTERS.
Synopsis:
This Act requires that those voting in school board elections and school tax elections and school bond elections be registered voters.
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION.
Synopsis:
This Bill would reduce from 3 to 2 the number of residents from New Castle County outside the City of Wilmington on the State Board of Education, and would add an at large member. This change better reflects the current population of the three counties and provides the Governor with the flexibility to appoint an at large board member on the basis of qualifications, need or population shift.
SB 147
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE, RELATING TO AN EARLY RETIREMENT INCENTIVE FOR STATE EMPLOYEES AND THE CREATION OF A NEW TIER OF BENEFITS FOR NEW EMPLOYEES.
Synopsis:
This Act provides a retirement incentive of 2 additional years of service to employees in the State Employees Pension Plan that retire on 6/30/09. There is also a new tier of benefits created for employees hired after 7/1/09.
SB127
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS OF VOTERS.
Synopsis:
This Act requires that those voting in school board elections and school tax elections and school bond elections be registered voters.
Category:
0
comments
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009306040007
Delaware's getting closer to giving school districts latitude in implementing disciplinary actions. Thanks goes to Kasia Haughton, the 11-year-old Leasure student who unwittingly brought a cake knife (along with a cake!) to school. Kasia should be given credit for inspiring common sense in a system that sometimes seems to be without.
Delaware's getting closer to giving school districts latitude in implementing disciplinary actions. Thanks goes to Kasia Haughton, the 11-year-old Leasure student who unwittingly brought a cake knife (along with a cake!) to school. Kasia should be given credit for inspiring common sense in a system that sometimes seems to be without.
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0
comments
The design and building of Tree House was a labor of love. Whitney Sander designed this house for his sister.Tree House sits on a cul-de-sac at the end of a mature subdivision in Wilmington, DE. It is filled with century-old deciduous trees, which form a magnificent canopy 150 feet above the site.
A stream runs around the house, and because of certain restrictions of the Army Corps of Engineers and because of the potential for flooding, the buildable area is quite small. This induced the firm to design a vertical house, with raised Living Room and Master Suite. These spaces give one the feeling of being in the trees.
http://images.google.com/imgresimgurl=http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1286/556193366_8acd7aca16.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.nikiomahe.com/home-design/tree-house-wilmington-delaware-usa/&usg=__iERuGZsGTBi6AePj2wzfczZRv-g=&h=333&w=500&sz=96&hl=en&start=72&sig2=jJCr8f0YmJcibjBZ9ljsZg&um=1&tbnid=QUCodMT967PHeM:&tbnh=87&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3DStrange%2BHouses%2Bin%2BDelaware%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-US%26rlz%3D1I7RNWE_en%26sa%3DN%26start%3D54%26um%3D1&ei=nRYnSpW6IcjemQexvI3pBw
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0
comments
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009906020341
State Auditor, Tom Wagner, is a busy man. Here's his breakdown of superintendent salaries courtesy the News Journal:
SUPERINTENDENT SALARIES
Data is organized based on the number of schools. I chose this format to illustrate that disricts with a similar number of facilities may have drastic different student populations or largely different salaries. Ex: Polytech has one building, serves 100 fewer students than Sussex, yet it's superintendent is paid $16,000 more than the Sussex Super.
DISTRICT, # of Schools , # of Students, Superintendent, Salary
Polytech 1- 1,147 Dianne Sole $152,946
Sussex Technical 1- 1,249 Patrick Savini $136,778
Delmar 2(1bdg) -1,149 David Ring Jr. $113,315
Woodbridge 3 - 2,012 Kevin Carson $138,483
NCC Votech 4 - 4,105 Steven Godowsky $161,366
Laurel 5 - 2,099 Linda Schenck $119,196 (Acting Superintendent)
Milford 5 - 4,070 Robert Smith $161,448
Lake Forest 6 - 3,930 Daniel Curry $136,769
Seaford 6 - 3,367 Russel Knorr $149,888
Smyrna 7 - 4,460 Deborah Wicks $133,280
Cape Henlopen 8 - 4,493 George Stone $157,306
Appoquinimink 11 - 8,193 Tony Marchio $162,876
Capital 11 - 6,179 Michael Thomas $147,854
Colonial 13 10,430 George Meney $193,000 *
Caesar Rodney 13 - 7,143 Kevin Fitzgerald $143,651
Indian River 13 - 8,388 Susan Bunting $138,720
Brandywine 18 - 10,113 Jim Scanlon $167,075
Christina 26 - 17,292 Freeman Williams $163,737 (Acting Superintendent)**
Red Clay 28 - 15,721 Rob Andrzejewski $171,543
*George Meney is the highest paid superintendent in the state.
**Christina is also the host of the Statewide Delaware Autism Program and Delaware's School for the Deaf (these programs serve students from outside the CSD.)
State Auditor, Tom Wagner, is a busy man. Here's his breakdown of superintendent salaries courtesy the News Journal:
SUPERINTENDENT SALARIES
Data is organized based on the number of schools. I chose this format to illustrate that disricts with a similar number of facilities may have drastic different student populations or largely different salaries. Ex: Polytech has one building, serves 100 fewer students than Sussex, yet it's superintendent is paid $16,000 more than the Sussex Super.
DISTRICT, # of Schools , # of Students, Superintendent, Salary
Polytech 1- 1,147 Dianne Sole $152,946
Sussex Technical 1- 1,249 Patrick Savini $136,778
Delmar 2(1bdg) -1,149 David Ring Jr. $113,315
Woodbridge 3 - 2,012 Kevin Carson $138,483
NCC Votech 4 - 4,105 Steven Godowsky $161,366
Laurel 5 - 2,099 Linda Schenck $119,196 (Acting Superintendent)
Milford 5 - 4,070 Robert Smith $161,448
Lake Forest 6 - 3,930 Daniel Curry $136,769
Seaford 6 - 3,367 Russel Knorr $149,888
Smyrna 7 - 4,460 Deborah Wicks $133,280
Cape Henlopen 8 - 4,493 George Stone $157,306
Appoquinimink 11 - 8,193 Tony Marchio $162,876
Capital 11 - 6,179 Michael Thomas $147,854
Colonial 13 10,430 George Meney $193,000 *
Caesar Rodney 13 - 7,143 Kevin Fitzgerald $143,651
Indian River 13 - 8,388 Susan Bunting $138,720
Brandywine 18 - 10,113 Jim Scanlon $167,075
Christina 26 - 17,292 Freeman Williams $163,737 (Acting Superintendent)**
Red Clay 28 - 15,721 Rob Andrzejewski $171,543
*George Meney is the highest paid superintendent in the state.
**Christina is also the host of the Statewide Delaware Autism Program and Delaware's School for the Deaf (these programs serve students from outside the CSD.)
Category:
0
comments
Thanks go to John Young, another CSD Board Member-elect for finding this great information and posting it to his blog at http://www.transparentchristina.wordpress.com/.
Cost of Living Comparison: New York, New York - Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington is 47% cheaper than New York.
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Housing is 73% cheaper in Wilmington.
A salary of $203,000 in New York, New York could decrease to $107,733 in Wilmington, Delaware
http://transparentchristina.wordpress.com/2009/05/31/salary-comparison-of-new-york-ny-to-wilmington-de/
Cost of Living Comparison: New York, New York - Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington is 47% cheaper than New York.
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Housing is 73% cheaper in Wilmington.
A salary of $203,000 in New York, New York could decrease to $107,733 in Wilmington, Delaware
http://transparentchristina.wordpress.com/2009/05/31/salary-comparison-of-new-york-ny-to-wilmington-de/
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Delaware's budget woes got you down?Let's auction off the state-issued license plates sported by our government vehicles, starting with Gov. Jack Markell's #1 tag.
Maybe Orlando George Jr, Pres. of Del Tech will take a stab at it. With the pay he rakes in, surely he can afford it! Orlando's #1 in state pay compared to Jack's #25.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090531/NEWS02/905310368&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL
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From the internet --
In 1935, tag numbers 1, 2, and 3 were reserved for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the Secretary of State respectively by the Delaware General Assembly. Delaware license plate #4 and up remained in the general circulation. Nowadays car owners and family members alike cover lower number tags in the state of Delaware. Tags are transferrable from vehicle to vehicle and can also be sold from Delawarean to Delawarean. The Division of Motor Vehicles only levies a $20 fee for the transfer of a tag number from one owner to another. This allows for a family to keep a license plate number in their family from generation to generation. Ones that are not maintained run the risk of ceding back to the State and put back in general circulation.
A Delaware man shelled out $675,000 at auction for the number plate "6." The man whose name is Frank Vassallo IV, admitted afterwards that he was prepared to go as high up as 1 cool million. Mr Vassallo’s family is already in possession of plate #9 for which $185,000 was paid at auction in 1993, and number 27. When asked about this propensity for expensive vanity plates and why he wanted the number 6 plate so badly, Mr Vassallo explained that it was a family thing.
In 1935, tag numbers 1, 2, and 3 were reserved for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the Secretary of State respectively by the Delaware General Assembly. Delaware license plate #4 and up remained in the general circulation. Nowadays car owners and family members alike cover lower number tags in the state of Delaware. Tags are transferrable from vehicle to vehicle and can also be sold from Delawarean to Delawarean. The Division of Motor Vehicles only levies a $20 fee for the transfer of a tag number from one owner to another. This allows for a family to keep a license plate number in their family from generation to generation. Ones that are not maintained run the risk of ceding back to the State and put back in general circulation.
A Delaware man shelled out $675,000 at auction for the number plate "6." The man whose name is Frank Vassallo IV, admitted afterwards that he was prepared to go as high up as 1 cool million. Mr Vassallo’s family is already in possession of plate #9 for which $185,000 was paid at auction in 1993, and number 27. When asked about this propensity for expensive vanity plates and why he wanted the number 6 plate so badly, Mr Vassallo explained that it was a family thing.
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The News Journal has taken on financial transparency in Delaware, sifting through the state's fiscal records. Below are some CSD-related highlights. Check out the latest Journal story online at:
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090531/NEWS02/905310368&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL
Delaware Technical & Community College President, Orlando George Jr., will make $455,000 this year. That's more than the President of the United States of America makes ($400,000.) And no one in the federal government is allowed to earn more in salary than the President.
How does George's salary, which comes from State Government funding, stack up in Delaware? Surely, our Governor is the highest paid ...
Governor Jack Markell ranks 25th in Delaware at $171,000.
Intermim Superintendent of the Christina School District, Freeman Williams, is #74 at $163,737. And yes, there are about 50 folks between the Gov. and the Interim Super, making $163 GRAND plus. (To put it in a clearer perspective: Colonial School District Superintendent, George Meney, comes in at #4 with $193,000.)
Marcia Lyles, incoming super of the CSD brings home $200,000+ in her current NY position. How do you negotiate a salary with someone when you are on the verge of an 8% cut for all state positions? This is not a dig at CSD, just a curious question that's been on my mind. Well, we'll know soon enough ... when the legislative session ends July 1st (yes, it's July first. At midnight on July 1st, the clocks in Legislative Hall are set back by a couple hours to give lawmakers more time to finish the session.)
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090531/NEWS02/905310368&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL
Delaware Technical & Community College President, Orlando George Jr., will make $455,000 this year. That's more than the President of the United States of America makes ($400,000.) And no one in the federal government is allowed to earn more in salary than the President.
How does George's salary, which comes from State Government funding, stack up in Delaware? Surely, our Governor is the highest paid ...
Governor Jack Markell ranks 25th in Delaware at $171,000.
Intermim Superintendent of the Christina School District, Freeman Williams, is #74 at $163,737. And yes, there are about 50 folks between the Gov. and the Interim Super, making $163 GRAND plus. (To put it in a clearer perspective: Colonial School District Superintendent, George Meney, comes in at #4 with $193,000.)
Marcia Lyles, incoming super of the CSD brings home $200,000+ in her current NY position. How do you negotiate a salary with someone when you are on the verge of an 8% cut for all state positions? This is not a dig at CSD, just a curious question that's been on my mind. Well, we'll know soon enough ... when the legislative session ends July 1st (yes, it's July first. At midnight on July 1st, the clocks in Legislative Hall are set back by a couple hours to give lawmakers more time to finish the session.)
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Currently, the DCAS system, with its many yet-unknowns is a bill in Delaware legislature. Proposed by Gov. Markell, DCAS will replace the DSTP, if the bill is passed in Dover.
The following are highlights from Sec. of Ed. Dr. Lillian Lowery's Monday Presentation at Glasgow High School:
The following are highlights from Sec. of Ed. Dr. Lillian Lowery's Monday Presentation at Glasgow High School:
- DCAS is the proposed assessment model to replace the current DSTP
- Under the DCAS system, academic benchmarks and graduation requirements will remain the same as is current
- RFPs, or Requests for Proposals were accepted through April 20th from vendors.
- Delaware is looking to join a multi-state collaborative to drive down the price of the test
- Additionally, the new technology will not require actual people to hand score portions of the test, which will decrease the cost.
- School Districts are being asked to return some of the anticipated stimulus funding to cover the technology costs of the test.
- In K-8th grade, DCAS will be an adaptive test or growth model -- adjusting to various levels of difficulty based on how successfully the student is completing the application.
- K-8 students will have the opportunity to take the DCAS three times in a year.
- K-8 students can bank successful scores, allowing teachers and students to focus their study in areas of weakness.
- Student scores will be available to teachers immediately following the completion of the test.
- In schools currently failing to make Annual Yearly Progress, AYP, students in failing cells will only need to show 1 1/2 years progress during a school year, not proficiency, in order for the school to attain AYP.
- In High School, DCAS will take the form of an End-of-Course test. These tests are likely to apply to core courses and will be standardized across the state. They may possibly replace final exams in core courses.
- The end-of-course test will not be a growth model; however, the timing of the test has not been determined. It's possible the test could be offered in early May so that students who do not pass, will have time to retake it. Another possibility for retakes could occur during summer school.
- Delaware has no plans at this time to standardize graduation credits. Dr. Lowery explained that the state sets the minimum requirements and it is hoped that the districts go above and beyond.
- On DAPA II, the Delaware Alternative Portfolio Assessment, Dr. Lowery stated that her office is making plans to evaluate that model in two years.
My initial thoughts:
If DCAS comes to pass, and most think it will, Delaware's 19 school districts will need to evaluate how they provide Gifted and Talented education. Currently, Delaware has no law requiring districts to identify and serve students who are G&T.
According to Dr. Lowery, G&T is something that Delaware's school districts handle on a local level. I've asked Dr. Lowery to consider establishing a statewide curriculum for G&T programming.
I continue to hear from parents who feel their children are not being adequately challenged by the current model in the Christina School District. CSD has no standardized curriculum for its programming. We need to establish what G&T needs to look like in our district, giving teachers control over modality of implementation, but establishing benchmarks and guidelines, through the evaluation of best practices, to ensure these students are engaged and challenged in school.
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The Newark Post shared an interesting blog entry on Marcia Lyles with their readers today.
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/deputy-schools-chancellor-is-picked-for-delaware-job/
Having never met Dr. Lyles, nor having been a part of the hiring process (although I did attend community forums in the capacity of a parent), I am reserving judgement on the existing BOE's choice of Lyles as Superintendent. I am sure the board encountered tremendous challenges in coming to their decision and the magnitude of the choice weighed heavily with them.
I will use my time between now and July when I officially become a Board Member to become as educated as possible on the challenges and successes Dr. Lyles encountered in her journey through public education so that I may better understand her strengths and how her expertise will benefit ALL the children of our district.
I have utmost respect for Dr. Williams, whom I have met personally. Our district has struggled for decades, and Dr. Williams has stalwartly stood with us, even when superintendents used our district as a leap pad for greater positions of power and money. His loyalty and experience are to be commended and I sincerely hope that he stays with us for many more years to come.
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/deputy-schools-chancellor-is-picked-for-delaware-job/
Having never met Dr. Lyles, nor having been a part of the hiring process (although I did attend community forums in the capacity of a parent), I am reserving judgement on the existing BOE's choice of Lyles as Superintendent. I am sure the board encountered tremendous challenges in coming to their decision and the magnitude of the choice weighed heavily with them.
I will use my time between now and July when I officially become a Board Member to become as educated as possible on the challenges and successes Dr. Lyles encountered in her journey through public education so that I may better understand her strengths and how her expertise will benefit ALL the children of our district.
I have utmost respect for Dr. Williams, whom I have met personally. Our district has struggled for decades, and Dr. Williams has stalwartly stood with us, even when superintendents used our district as a leap pad for greater positions of power and money. His loyalty and experience are to be commended and I sincerely hope that he stays with us for many more years to come.
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Senate Bill # 98
Primary Sponsor: Bonini
CoSponsors: Sens. Simpson, Sokola, Sorenson; Reps. Cathcart, Hocker, Hudson, Lavelle, Lee, Manolakos, Ramone, D. Short, Wilson
Introduced on : 05/13/2009
Long Title: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS.
Synopsis: This Act gives local districts flexibility to reduce administrative costs, as opposed to just teacher costs, when facing budget shortfalls.
Current Status: Senate Finance Committee On 05/13/2009
Fiscal Note:Not Required
Full text of Legislation: (in HTML format):Legis.html
Senate Bill # 95
Primary Sponsor: Peterson Additional Sponsor(s): Rep. Scott
CoSponsors: Sens. Sokola Bushweller Sorenson Bonini,Reps. Ramone Longhurst Hudson Manolakos D.P. Williams Barbieri
Introduced on : 05/13/2009
Long Title: AN ACT TO CREATE FOUR SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND TO CONSOLIDATE THE EXISTING NINETEEN DISTRICTS THEREIN.
Synopsis: This Bill provides for consolidation of the current public school districts into four districts. They include a Northern, Central, Southern and Consolidated Vocational School District. Because of the complexity involved, the Bill directs the Department of Education to provide the General Assembly with proposed legislation to accomplish this. The consolidation will take effect July 1, 2011.
Current Status: Senate Finance Committee On 05/13/2009
Fiscal Note: F/N
Full text of Legislation: (in HTML format) Legis.html
This one intrigues me. We all knew this proposal was coming; however, the language of the synopsis implies that our DOE is not in favor of the bill. Why does the bill need to instruct DOE to provide a plan? Wouldn't they have one, ready in the wings, if this was something DOE supported? Wouldn't they have already presented the plan to Sen. Peterson and wouldn't it be attached to the bill as a proposal? Maybe they do. And we, as citizens, are not privy to the personal agendas of our folks in Dover.
Let's just hope that whatever is proposed is either feasible and logical or completely out in left field.
I'd really rather see a bill that would require existing school districts to enter into collaborative bargaining to increase their buying power and drive down vendor pricing thus saving tax payers money. And a bill amending the complicated funding formula that centralizes much of Delaware's education funding to the DOE, one that will bring fiscal control into local district hands.
Primary Sponsor: Bonini
CoSponsors: Sens. Simpson, Sokola, Sorenson; Reps. Cathcart, Hocker, Hudson, Lavelle, Lee, Manolakos, Ramone, D. Short, Wilson
Introduced on : 05/13/2009
Long Title: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS.
Synopsis: This Act gives local districts flexibility to reduce administrative costs, as opposed to just teacher costs, when facing budget shortfalls.
Current Status: Senate Finance Committee On 05/13/2009
Fiscal Note:Not Required
Full text of Legislation: (in HTML format):Legis.html
Senate Bill # 95
Primary Sponsor: Peterson Additional Sponsor(s): Rep. Scott
CoSponsors: Sens. Sokola Bushweller Sorenson Bonini,Reps. Ramone Longhurst Hudson Manolakos D.P. Williams Barbieri
Introduced on : 05/13/2009
Long Title: AN ACT TO CREATE FOUR SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND TO CONSOLIDATE THE EXISTING NINETEEN DISTRICTS THEREIN.
Synopsis: This Bill provides for consolidation of the current public school districts into four districts. They include a Northern, Central, Southern and Consolidated Vocational School District. Because of the complexity involved, the Bill directs the Department of Education to provide the General Assembly with proposed legislation to accomplish this. The consolidation will take effect July 1, 2011.
Current Status: Senate Finance Committee On 05/13/2009
Fiscal Note: F/N
Full text of Legislation: (in HTML format) Legis.html
This one intrigues me. We all knew this proposal was coming; however, the language of the synopsis implies that our DOE is not in favor of the bill. Why does the bill need to instruct DOE to provide a plan? Wouldn't they have one, ready in the wings, if this was something DOE supported? Wouldn't they have already presented the plan to Sen. Peterson and wouldn't it be attached to the bill as a proposal? Maybe they do. And we, as citizens, are not privy to the personal agendas of our folks in Dover.
Let's just hope that whatever is proposed is either feasible and logical or completely out in left field.
I'd really rather see a bill that would require existing school districts to enter into collaborative bargaining to increase their buying power and drive down vendor pricing thus saving tax payers money. And a bill amending the complicated funding formula that centralizes much of Delaware's education funding to the DOE, one that will bring fiscal control into local district hands.
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Question: What is your political affiliation? I'm sure some marketing person told you that you'd get more votes if you didn't put it in writing! What is John Young?
Answer: I am a registered Democrat. I voted for Jack Markell. I do not always agree with him. And when I don't, you'll know it!
I had no political machine advising me on how to create our advertising. I have a degree in English/Journalism, and took a class back in college on Technical Writing. I designed the Young/Scheinberg campaign material myself, using Vistaprint.com. I did not include political affiliations because School Board Elections are supposed to be non-partisan.
John Young is a registered Republican.
Which just goes to show you that there is common ground in politics.
Answer: I am a registered Democrat. I voted for Jack Markell. I do not always agree with him. And when I don't, you'll know it!
I had no political machine advising me on how to create our advertising. I have a degree in English/Journalism, and took a class back in college on Technical Writing. I designed the Young/Scheinberg campaign material myself, using Vistaprint.com. I did not include political affiliations because School Board Elections are supposed to be non-partisan.
John Young is a registered Republican.
Which just goes to show you that there is common ground in politics.
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Sec. of Education Dr. Lillian Lowery hosted a public forum at Glasgow High School on Monday to discuss the Markell/Denn Education Reform Legislation.
Dr. Lowerly also paused to answer questions on Stimulus Funding:
1) States receiving Stim Funds must have shown a "Maintenance of Effort" to finance education. Basically they must have maintained the level of funding provided in the fiscal year 2006. Delaware has shown the effort and we have the green light.
2) Funds will come down to the districts earmarked for specific uses, such as Title I funds or IDEA funds. Districts can then appropriate those monies into areas of need specific to that "bucket."
3) Gov. Stabilization Funds are another type of stim funding. Access to these funds is based upon the Gov. Recommended Budget. The Jury is still out on these funds.
4) WHEN will the funds hit the districts? Possibly July. Dr. Lowery states that her folks know how much is coming into Delaware. Her office is holding off on dispersement of funds until the new fiscal budget is passed in Dover as districts may not receive all the funding they have requested. By waitings to disperse stim monies, districts can better plan for how those funds will be used.
5) In order to receive the funds, districts must present a stim funding budget to DOE for approval. Dr. Lowery states that her department is not nitpicking these budgets.
6) Important Note: Superintendents are being asked to give back some Stim Funding for the technology hardware cost of implementing the new statewide testing model.
7) All funds must be spent in two years!
It's a one-time gift, so get it right the first time!
Dr. Lowerly also paused to answer questions on Stimulus Funding:
1) States receiving Stim Funds must have shown a "Maintenance of Effort" to finance education. Basically they must have maintained the level of funding provided in the fiscal year 2006. Delaware has shown the effort and we have the green light.
2) Funds will come down to the districts earmarked for specific uses, such as Title I funds or IDEA funds. Districts can then appropriate those monies into areas of need specific to that "bucket."
3) Gov. Stabilization Funds are another type of stim funding. Access to these funds is based upon the Gov. Recommended Budget. The Jury is still out on these funds.
4) WHEN will the funds hit the districts? Possibly July. Dr. Lowery states that her folks know how much is coming into Delaware. Her office is holding off on dispersement of funds until the new fiscal budget is passed in Dover as districts may not receive all the funding they have requested. By waitings to disperse stim monies, districts can better plan for how those funds will be used.
5) In order to receive the funds, districts must present a stim funding budget to DOE for approval. Dr. Lowery states that her department is not nitpicking these budgets.
6) Important Note: Superintendents are being asked to give back some Stim Funding for the technology hardware cost of implementing the new statewide testing model.
7) All funds must be spent in two years!
It's a one-time gift, so get it right the first time!
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There are three bills currently in the legislature waiting to become law and usher in the early phases of education reform.
HB 119 will provide "Citizen oversight and transparency in finances, while giving more local decision making power." (Statement from the Office of the Lt. Gov.) However, 119 is stalled in the House because certain portions of the bill call for waivers and reductions in special education. Rep. Schooley, primary sponsor, promises revisions are coming.
SB 67 provides greater compensation for teachers by paying "the state's highest performing teachers a comparatively higher salary, and those high-performing teachers in high-risk schools at the state's highest level." (Statement from Office of Lt. Gov.) However, this portion of the Markell/Denn Education Reform Plan would not go into effect until our current state budget situation improves and initially may be a pilot program.
We need constituent pressure in Dover. Our teachers deserve the passage of SB 67. Generally, Delaware pays its teachers less than the nearby states of Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. If the 8% pay cut for state employees passes in Dover, we risk loosing our highly qualified teachers to other states.
This week our teachers are holding Bell-to-Bell walk-outs. They are only working during their contract hours, not staying late to grade or plan lessons. The purpose is to emphasize how many unpaid hours our teachers already put into our children's education. And they deserve the recognition! I've said it before and I'll say it again: We cannot balance the state's budget woes on the backs of the education community.
Okay, back to the bills...
The last bill hanging out in Dover is SB 68, the elimination and replacement of DTSPs. Now, I attended Sec. of Education, Dr. Lowery's presentation last night at Glasgow High School and I have some info to share about the intentions of the new test.
Check back later today for my recap of the meeting. In the meantime, call/email your legislators and ask them to get moving on these education reform bills. We need the revisions done that are necessary and the bills to get movin' because July 1st, it's all over.
HB 119 will provide "Citizen oversight and transparency in finances, while giving more local decision making power." (Statement from the Office of the Lt. Gov.) However, 119 is stalled in the House because certain portions of the bill call for waivers and reductions in special education. Rep. Schooley, primary sponsor, promises revisions are coming.
SB 67 provides greater compensation for teachers by paying "the state's highest performing teachers a comparatively higher salary, and those high-performing teachers in high-risk schools at the state's highest level." (Statement from Office of Lt. Gov.) However, this portion of the Markell/Denn Education Reform Plan would not go into effect until our current state budget situation improves and initially may be a pilot program.
We need constituent pressure in Dover. Our teachers deserve the passage of SB 67. Generally, Delaware pays its teachers less than the nearby states of Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. If the 8% pay cut for state employees passes in Dover, we risk loosing our highly qualified teachers to other states.
This week our teachers are holding Bell-to-Bell walk-outs. They are only working during their contract hours, not staying late to grade or plan lessons. The purpose is to emphasize how many unpaid hours our teachers already put into our children's education. And they deserve the recognition! I've said it before and I'll say it again: We cannot balance the state's budget woes on the backs of the education community.
Okay, back to the bills...
The last bill hanging out in Dover is SB 68, the elimination and replacement of DTSPs. Now, I attended Sec. of Education, Dr. Lowery's presentation last night at Glasgow High School and I have some info to share about the intentions of the new test.
Check back later today for my recap of the meeting. In the meantime, call/email your legislators and ask them to get moving on these education reform bills. We need the revisions done that are necessary and the bills to get movin' because July 1st, it's all over.
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http://php.delawareonline.com/state/creditcard/index.php?searchBy=divname&keyword=Christina+School+District
I've been quiet since the election, rest assured: I haven't fallen silent. I'm just trying to wrap my head around all the numbers.
14 individual credit card purchases made to the same vendor by the same purchaser in one day. And that's nothing ...
While only being a board member-elect, I am not privy to the details of these transactions, having learned about them, as did most, from the Sunday News Journal. I will not say that there were any excessive purchases without knowing the details of said purchases.
However, come July, I will be asking some very hard questions.
I've been quiet since the election, rest assured: I haven't fallen silent. I'm just trying to wrap my head around all the numbers.
14 individual credit card purchases made to the same vendor by the same purchaser in one day. And that's nothing ...
While only being a board member-elect, I am not privy to the details of these transactions, having learned about them, as did most, from the Sunday News Journal. I will not say that there were any excessive purchases without knowing the details of said purchases.
However, come July, I will be asking some very hard questions.
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http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009905120345
Tradition begs that gals who graduate wear dresses. But, there are times when tradition must be retired, especially those that feed the gender gap.
Women wear suits to work and have earned the right to equal pay (though we all know what is moral and ethical correct is not always practice); and, they should graduate besides their male peers in pants.
I want to commend the two young ladies in the above article for challenging the status quo and asserting their equal rights.
Tradition begs that gals who graduate wear dresses. But, there are times when tradition must be retired, especially those that feed the gender gap.
Women wear suits to work and have earned the right to equal pay (though we all know what is moral and ethical correct is not always practice); and, they should graduate besides their male peers in pants.
I want to commend the two young ladies in the above article for challenging the status quo and asserting their equal rights.
At the risk of raising some ire, I have to admit that I am boggled by the passive-aggressive policy that Christiana High will employ at graduation. The shirt and tie ranks will grow by two, among a sea of dresses. That's right, folks, our ladies in pants, will also be sporting shirts with ties.
Fortunately for those who've broken the glass ceiling, girls look cool in ties. But, should common sense prevail, I'd prefer to see young ladies in blouses, tie optional.
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State leaders may renege on their commitment to channel up to $75 million from last year's one-time windfall of unclaimed property to public school construction projects. - The News Journal
The State of Delaware made a commitment to all Delawareans when they pledged this funding. Our state officials have a responsibility to make good on those promises.
One of the Christina projects is a new building for the Delaware School for the Deaf, also called the Margaret S. Sterck School. The building will have enhanced technology and better acoustics.
"The students are being provided with an outstanding education but in a facility that is clearly not up to current-day standards," Interim Director Joseph Fischgrund said. He said funding the building is an "important symbol in the deaf community of the state's commitment to the education of deaf and hard-of-hearing children." -The News Journal
I find it reprehensible to take money away from children, especially those with special needs. Construction on new Sterk project has already begun. By failing to provide the promised funding, our state is failing these children!
Our children deserve better! As a school board member I will be dedicated to ensuring that the State's budget crisis is not balanced on our children's backs!
The State of Delaware made a commitment to all Delawareans when they pledged this funding. Our state officials have a responsibility to make good on those promises.
One of the Christina projects is a new building for the Delaware School for the Deaf, also called the Margaret S. Sterck School. The building will have enhanced technology and better acoustics.
"The students are being provided with an outstanding education but in a facility that is clearly not up to current-day standards," Interim Director Joseph Fischgrund said. He said funding the building is an "important symbol in the deaf community of the state's commitment to the education of deaf and hard-of-hearing children." -The News Journal
I find it reprehensible to take money away from children, especially those with special needs. Construction on new Sterk project has already begun. By failing to provide the promised funding, our state is failing these children!
Our children deserve better! As a school board member I will be dedicated to ensuring that the State's budget crisis is not balanced on our children's backs!
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Delawareliberal.net posed questions to candidates in several school districts about the issues surrounding education in Delaware. Click the link to learn more!
http://www.delawareliberal.net/2009/05/11/christina-school-board-candidate-elizabeth-scheinberg/comment-page-1/#comment-118112
http://www.delawareliberal.net/2009/05/11/christina-school-board-candidate-elizabeth-scheinberg/comment-page-1/#comment-118112
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Campaign SignsStolen from outside churches on Mother's Day!
Real Nice ...
I know Red Clay has been having a problem with signs. However, I thought we, in CSD, were running a slightly more civilized race. The thefts are an effort on behalf of supporters of the other candidates to prevent the public from being thoroughly educated come Tuesday.
However, it's less reflective on me, than it is on the other candidates. The Young & Scheinberg message has been getting out, through door-to-door visits, and campaigning by both candidates and volunteers. We've made our campaigns available to the online community, to civic groups, special populations, PTAs, and our community at-large.
In the last 18 months, I've attend 13 or more Public Board Meetings, in addition to Strategic Planning Meetings, Special Sessions, PTA meetings and public forums for both the Statewide Director at the DAP and the CSD Superintendent search. I've sat in on student IEPs at parents requests as both parent support and parent advocate. Both John and I have worked hard on behalf of special education students to record policies that the CSD utilizes but had never written down.
I've spoken at length with the Director of Elementary Curriculum on behalf of general education students and their parents regarding Gifted and Talented programming also known as Talent Development.
I've interfaced with legislators regarding HB 117 and 119, House Bills that will change the way education is delivered in Delaware.
The CSD is ripe for change. It's the will of the parents and our educators.
In the immortal words of so many young writers who have passed through the hallowed walls at the University of Delaware's student paper, the Review : The Revolution will not be televised, It will be Live."
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Political campaigns are funny things.
Yesterday, I went home to the neighborhood in which I grew up, to the street where I trick-or-treated, and to the ball park where my little sister was the first girl to ever play for the Newark American Little League. I was the first female ever permitted to be an announcer in the booth. Yesterday, there were four teens in that booth, two of which were girls, and at least four young ladies playing ball in the field.
All those years ago, we called my sis "T" when she got up for bat; if we used her "real name" the boys on the opposing teams would make fun of her. I'm not sure if they were more intimidated by her gender or because she was far superior player to most.
When the NALL snack bar recieved its first cash register, I taught the league moms how to use it (I owe my expertise to my high school job at Friendly's on Elkton Rd, now demolished and the site of new contruction.)
I'm proud of these feats, because I was just a teenager myself, filling in for my own mother who worked more hours than she was able to devote to her family so that she could support that family in all of its endeavours! Like so many children, I didn't understand it then, but with decades of real life experiences, I more than appreciate my mom's sacrifices.
Election Campaigns can be great things! Back home, I knocked on Lennie Markell's door, our Governor's mother, and left literature when she wasn't home. I fondly remember babysitting Lennie's grandchildren the night she received the Social Worker of the Year Award. (I suspect she's in Dover this weekend with her son and grandchildren. It is Mother's Day weekend, afterall.)
I met Fred, a wise man who is considering joining the district Financial Review Committee; he was inspiring to say the least. His family is grown, but he's compelled to give back in a capacity that suits him well.
In Cherry Hill I met a widower who serves our students at West Park as a mentor, still tied to education long after his children have grown, because his wife was a dedicated CSD food service employee for more years than anyone can remember.
I met Kirby, a former administrative employee, with a step-daughter at Charter. Daughter is terribly afraid of attending high school because her neighborhood school is Newark High. But Christiana and Glasgow are not much better choices, they all have drugs, gangs, guns, knives, and more.
At Downes Elementary, I introduced myself to the school's principal, Mrs. Schwartz, attending her school's yard sale and car wash. She first asked me, "Are you Steve Scheinberg's daughter?" Yes, I am. His daughter-in-law, actually. Steve, my husband Rob and I, and Mrs. Schwartz's husband and his father before hime all served B'nai B'rith, a service organization in Wilmington, its history goes back more than 100 years!
At the ballpark, I met a CSD resident who sends her children to private school, who after her own experiences as a district student, has given up on the district's ability to educate her children. She struggles to afford the school, and did try one year in a CSD school, where she was met with resistance from teachers. In her eyes, they provided little guidance as to how to support her child's in-school education at home. She felt her teacher didn't want her to be part of the process. So Mom sent her child back to private, where the young man is thriving and she is an equal part of the educational team.
I've met more parents, tax-payers, law-makers, teachers, and school administrators during this short journey than I can count. I've lived and breathed legislative code, unit counts, gifted and talented programming, special populations, cars washes, fundraising walks, and the blog-o-sphere of the internet. And I have enjoyed every moment of it.
But, elections can bring about some unsavory moments as well. Like yesterday, when I took the curve on Delaware Avenue, just up the road from Newark High. As I paused at the light, I noticed a 17-21 year old girl, removing a Young and Scheinberg campaign sign, in the ground less than a day. I know she's not from the NCCo Department of Elections or the police. She left the sign stand in the grass. I am certain she is, in fact, someone's constituent.
While I didn't have the time and position in traffic to stop her before she merged back onto the road, I did catch her license plate number. Then I parked and removed the sign stand.
I am openly inviting that young lady to return the sign with an apology before I am forced to file a police report. Why? It's just a sign, right? No, theft is a pattern of behavior that can escalate into bolder (although broad daylight is pretty bold) more serious crimes. Call it fate, call it what you will, but I was meant to be on that road at that moment. It would be wrong to not expect the highest moral behavior from our young people. Perhaps, this was just a lapse in judgement and nothing more. But, I want to give this girl a chance to correct her error.
And if this action was a part of a competitor's campaign, they need to seriously rethink what message they are sending to our children and consider the integrity (and lack thereof) they will bring to our school board.
Tuesday is voting day. Will you be joining Young and Scheinberg at the polls? Will you be voting for thoughtful change, a return to common sense practices, the empowerment of educators and the transparency that this district needs if it is begin a journey to excellence? I hope you will!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Scheinberg
Yesterday, I went home to the neighborhood in which I grew up, to the street where I trick-or-treated, and to the ball park where my little sister was the first girl to ever play for the Newark American Little League. I was the first female ever permitted to be an announcer in the booth. Yesterday, there were four teens in that booth, two of which were girls, and at least four young ladies playing ball in the field.
All those years ago, we called my sis "T" when she got up for bat; if we used her "real name" the boys on the opposing teams would make fun of her. I'm not sure if they were more intimidated by her gender or because she was far superior player to most.
When the NALL snack bar recieved its first cash register, I taught the league moms how to use it (I owe my expertise to my high school job at Friendly's on Elkton Rd, now demolished and the site of new contruction.)
I'm proud of these feats, because I was just a teenager myself, filling in for my own mother who worked more hours than she was able to devote to her family so that she could support that family in all of its endeavours! Like so many children, I didn't understand it then, but with decades of real life experiences, I more than appreciate my mom's sacrifices.
Election Campaigns can be great things! Back home, I knocked on Lennie Markell's door, our Governor's mother, and left literature when she wasn't home. I fondly remember babysitting Lennie's grandchildren the night she received the Social Worker of the Year Award. (I suspect she's in Dover this weekend with her son and grandchildren. It is Mother's Day weekend, afterall.)
I met Fred, a wise man who is considering joining the district Financial Review Committee; he was inspiring to say the least. His family is grown, but he's compelled to give back in a capacity that suits him well.
In Cherry Hill I met a widower who serves our students at West Park as a mentor, still tied to education long after his children have grown, because his wife was a dedicated CSD food service employee for more years than anyone can remember.
I met Kirby, a former administrative employee, with a step-daughter at Charter. Daughter is terribly afraid of attending high school because her neighborhood school is Newark High. But Christiana and Glasgow are not much better choices, they all have drugs, gangs, guns, knives, and more.
At Downes Elementary, I introduced myself to the school's principal, Mrs. Schwartz, attending her school's yard sale and car wash. She first asked me, "Are you Steve Scheinberg's daughter?" Yes, I am. His daughter-in-law, actually. Steve, my husband Rob and I, and Mrs. Schwartz's husband and his father before hime all served B'nai B'rith, a service organization in Wilmington, its history goes back more than 100 years!
At the ballpark, I met a CSD resident who sends her children to private school, who after her own experiences as a district student, has given up on the district's ability to educate her children. She struggles to afford the school, and did try one year in a CSD school, where she was met with resistance from teachers. In her eyes, they provided little guidance as to how to support her child's in-school education at home. She felt her teacher didn't want her to be part of the process. So Mom sent her child back to private, where the young man is thriving and she is an equal part of the educational team.
I've met more parents, tax-payers, law-makers, teachers, and school administrators during this short journey than I can count. I've lived and breathed legislative code, unit counts, gifted and talented programming, special populations, cars washes, fundraising walks, and the blog-o-sphere of the internet. And I have enjoyed every moment of it.
But, elections can bring about some unsavory moments as well. Like yesterday, when I took the curve on Delaware Avenue, just up the road from Newark High. As I paused at the light, I noticed a 17-21 year old girl, removing a Young and Scheinberg campaign sign, in the ground less than a day. I know she's not from the NCCo Department of Elections or the police. She left the sign stand in the grass. I am certain she is, in fact, someone's constituent.
While I didn't have the time and position in traffic to stop her before she merged back onto the road, I did catch her license plate number. Then I parked and removed the sign stand.
I am openly inviting that young lady to return the sign with an apology before I am forced to file a police report. Why? It's just a sign, right? No, theft is a pattern of behavior that can escalate into bolder (although broad daylight is pretty bold) more serious crimes. Call it fate, call it what you will, but I was meant to be on that road at that moment. It would be wrong to not expect the highest moral behavior from our young people. Perhaps, this was just a lapse in judgement and nothing more. But, I want to give this girl a chance to correct her error.
And if this action was a part of a competitor's campaign, they need to seriously rethink what message they are sending to our children and consider the integrity (and lack thereof) they will bring to our school board.
Tuesday is voting day. Will you be joining Young and Scheinberg at the polls? Will you be voting for thoughtful change, a return to common sense practices, the empowerment of educators and the transparency that this district needs if it is begin a journey to excellence? I hope you will!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Scheinberg
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1 comments
Here's some food for thought:
From: http://action.rodelfoundationde.org/acenter/Blog/tabid/60/EntryId/29/Delaware-early-childhood-education-lags-neighbors.aspx
Delaware early childhood education lags neighbors
The National Institute for Early Education Research just put out their annual ranking of state early childhood programs. See the full report here, some Delaware highlights below, and the full Delaware summary here.
Delaware ranks 30th of all states in terms of the percentage (7.3%) of 4-year-olds served by state pre-school (ECAP). Our neighboring states—Pennsylvania (28), New Jersey (15), and Maryland (9)--all rank above us.
Delaware serves no 3-year-olds through state preschool. (26 states serve 3-year olds.)
Delaware’s programs operate at least 3.5 hours, 5 days per week. 10 states offer full day programs, and 30 states allow local programs to determine the schedule.
Delaware ranks 7th in terms of resources invested per child ($6795). However, in adjusted dollars, this was $348 less than the previous year.
From: http://action.rodelfoundationde.org/acenter/Blog/tabid/60/EntryId/29/Delaware-early-childhood-education-lags-neighbors.aspx
Delaware early childhood education lags neighbors
The National Institute for Early Education Research just put out their annual ranking of state early childhood programs. See the full report here, some Delaware highlights below, and the full Delaware summary here.
Delaware ranks 30th of all states in terms of the percentage (7.3%) of 4-year-olds served by state pre-school (ECAP). Our neighboring states—Pennsylvania (28), New Jersey (15), and Maryland (9)--all rank above us.
Delaware serves no 3-year-olds through state preschool. (26 states serve 3-year olds.)
Delaware’s programs operate at least 3.5 hours, 5 days per week. 10 states offer full day programs, and 30 states allow local programs to determine the schedule.
Delaware ranks 7th in terms of resources invested per child ($6795). However, in adjusted dollars, this was $348 less than the previous year.
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0
comments
The Great Divide: Reduction in Force
For one brief moment last night, I thought one of our CSD board members would be BOLD and vote Nay on the recommendation to RIF 9 Teachers and 4 School Counselors. Of course, one decenting vote wouldn't stop the RIF, but it would move the board one step away from its history of rubber-stamping district recommendations.
To my dismay, but not surprise, our board members, some of whom expressed receiving negative feedback from constituents regarding the contracted counseling agency in place in 13 of our elementary schools, voted to eliminate the last four counselors directly employed by the CSD. With that unanimous vote, CSD kissed good-bye to personal ownership of the counseling program.
Two things stuck out during last nights procedings 1) No one could or would supply the cost savings projections of out-sourcing these last four counselors 2) Our board voted for the RIF seemingly without requiring the district to produce it. Okay, could the board have examined the projections during Executive Session behind closed doors? Sure, but we'll never know because our district continues to lack full transparency in the decision-making process.
For one brief moment last night, I thought one of our CSD board members would be BOLD and vote Nay on the recommendation to RIF 9 Teachers and 4 School Counselors. Of course, one decenting vote wouldn't stop the RIF, but it would move the board one step away from its history of rubber-stamping district recommendations.
To my dismay, but not surprise, our board members, some of whom expressed receiving negative feedback from constituents regarding the contracted counseling agency in place in 13 of our elementary schools, voted to eliminate the last four counselors directly employed by the CSD. With that unanimous vote, CSD kissed good-bye to personal ownership of the counseling program.
Two things stuck out during last nights procedings 1) No one could or would supply the cost savings projections of out-sourcing these last four counselors 2) Our board voted for the RIF seemingly without requiring the district to produce it. Okay, could the board have examined the projections during Executive Session behind closed doors? Sure, but we'll never know because our district continues to lack full transparency in the decision-making process.
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comments
POSTING
The Christina Board of Education will meet in Executive Session
on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at 6:00 PM, at the Sarah Pyle Academy,
501 North Lombard Street, Wilmington, to discuss Personnel Matters.
The Board will meet in Special Session at 7:30 PM.
The Christina Board of Education will meet in Executive Session
on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at 6:00 PM, at the Sarah Pyle Academy,
501 North Lombard Street, Wilmington, to discuss Personnel Matters.
The Board will meet in Special Session at 7:30 PM.
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comments
Super Stars in Education, CSD is noticeably absent from the list. Read the article at:
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009905050337
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009905050337
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From the News Journal
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009905030328
Thank yous go out to the University of Delaware who will continue to offer free classes during summer sessions for our educators.
They could've come up with a gimmick to attract attendence (such as the Buy One - Get One program to be instituted at Del State this summer) but they took the high road, knowing full well that they alone may shoulder all the costs in contrast to the state's history of picking up a portion of the tab.
UD has shown their commitment to Delaware's educators, not just in turning out teachers prepared to enter our public school system, but in carrying the burden of ensuring those teachers receive the best education possible.
Hey, UD can you help us with our gifted and talented programming, too? I'm hearing from constituents that we need to make some major headway in this area.
Thanks Again
Elizabeth
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009905030328
Thank yous go out to the University of Delaware who will continue to offer free classes during summer sessions for our educators.
They could've come up with a gimmick to attract attendence (such as the Buy One - Get One program to be instituted at Del State this summer) but they took the high road, knowing full well that they alone may shoulder all the costs in contrast to the state's history of picking up a portion of the tab.
UD has shown their commitment to Delaware's educators, not just in turning out teachers prepared to enter our public school system, but in carrying the burden of ensuring those teachers receive the best education possible.
Hey, UD can you help us with our gifted and talented programming, too? I'm hearing from constituents that we need to make some major headway in this area.
Thanks Again
Elizabeth
Category:
A DSTP Status Update via the News Journal,
CEA,
Delaware State Education Association,
DSEA,
professional development
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comments
Recently, a constituent asked me a series of questions. I wanted to share my answers with all voters:
How is Public Education in Delaware Funded:
Education is the largest expenditure in the Delaware state budget. Approximately 25% of public education revenue comes from local school district support, while the remainder comes from the state (65%) and the federal government (10%). The local school district portion is raised primarily through property taxes while the state portion comes from personal income tax, corporation taxes, gross receipts tax, and franchise taxes. According to GreatSchools.Net, "paying for schools with local property taxes has been one of the main causes of unequal funding….[and] the poorer communities, precisely the ones that need more resources to educate their children, must make do with smaller pots of money."
Do you know how the autistic program is funded from the state and CSD? Funding for DAP occurs in two ways: 1) Tuition is charged to a student's school district of residence to cover the local (non-state and non-federal) costs of education students 2) The statewide program is supported through tuition tax charged to New Castle County residents to the program operated by the CSD. New Castle County residents also financially support aspects of the program in the other two counties.
What does it cost the state and taxpayers to fund the autistic program, is it more than regular ed students? The cost to educate special education students is higher than that of general education students. Because their needs frequently require more support, they tend to generate more teaching units. At the DAP, each teaching unit also generates a para unit.
What is a unit count ? How are teachers earned in every school? Unit Count refers to the number of specialists, teachers, and paras generated by student enrollment. In the current system, unit count is formally assessed on Sept. 30th based upon the actual number of students in attendance in district schools that day. Those numbers generate teacher units, etc. There are a myriad of problems with the Sept. 30th date, not the least of which is that it can mean oversized classes in September and disrupting the classroom through division in October. It also impedes the recruitment and hiring of highly-qualified educators. There is some flexibility for building level administration after September 30th in that they can convert teacher units to para units. At Keene, the principal previously converted one teaching unit to a counselor (unfortunately that counselor like many of the district guidance providers is among those to be RIF'd at the end of her contract.)
Our district has 18,200 students, until the state changes the way it funds public education and special services there is little any district can do. The staff at Drew has been cut by 22% under Dr. Lowery. Allow me to clarify my answer from last night (the CSD Candidate's Forum) -- I am aware that Dr. Lowery reduced Administration in CSD. I believe we have too much admin in the DOE. I do anticipate that Dr. Lowery will begin cuts there in her new role.
ZERO tolerance, how about a kid with a knife, pepper spray, hand-cuffs,
throwing a chair at a teacher, hitting a teacher? There needs to be a balance to discipline with intervention. We can discipline a student, including suspension and expulsion, and require intervention before returning to the district. Where we fail these students is that we do not identify them as at-risk prior to committing unacceptable behaviors. The ability to ID these students lies heavily with our counseling and teaching staff. The education system has the ability to intervene in these students lives before they become a part of the criminal law system. We owe it to our students and our communities to reach out to students in need, to offer them alternatives to criminal behavior. Again, I am all for strong disciplinary practices; however, we must do need to do more than punish them.
What roles does the parent play in social behavior ? Parents are absolutely imperative to teaching appropriate social behavior! However, there will be times when parents are simply unable to support their student/child. We need to develop a policy and plan for those instances. I believe education is a community responsibility, in the absence of a parent the community needs to step up. By reaching these students through a variety of protocol, we are increasing safety for all in our schools.
When is came to Elementary Intervention on the first offense, I was dismissed and told teachers do not have the time to set up TEAMS for monitoring and mentoring. Now you know why it happens. That is an absolute travesty! I would be the first and maybe the most outspoken when it comes to needing a TEAM approach to education. When we properly address the "out-of-control" student, we are better able to educate all students!
By the way, I respect you and your eagerness to help. You need to be more informed on how the system works. Good Luck. Thank You for your kind words. My intention truly is to help! Becoming a board member will not make me a better mother, it isn't fodder for a resume and won't qualify me for anything beyond my role as parent. It will give me an opportunity to live my personal philosophy while inspiring children to want/love/desire a great education! In the end, it is always 100% about our students. As for needing to be more informed -- I agree with you. It's not what we know, it's what we don't know that inspires me to be as educated in district and state policies as possible. Thank You, too, for your service to our children. It takes a tremendous person to persevere on behalf of our students. They are fortunate to have you in their corner .I hope I have earned your vote. If I can answer anymore questions, please let me. Sincerely, Elizabeth Scheinberg
How is Public Education in Delaware Funded:
Education is the largest expenditure in the Delaware state budget. Approximately 25% of public education revenue comes from local school district support, while the remainder comes from the state (65%) and the federal government (10%). The local school district portion is raised primarily through property taxes while the state portion comes from personal income tax, corporation taxes, gross receipts tax, and franchise taxes. According to GreatSchools.Net, "paying for schools with local property taxes has been one of the main causes of unequal funding….[and] the poorer communities, precisely the ones that need more resources to educate their children, must make do with smaller pots of money."
Do you know how the autistic program is funded from the state and CSD? Funding for DAP occurs in two ways: 1) Tuition is charged to a student's school district of residence to cover the local (non-state and non-federal) costs of education students 2) The statewide program is supported through tuition tax charged to New Castle County residents to the program operated by the CSD. New Castle County residents also financially support aspects of the program in the other two counties.
What does it cost the state and taxpayers to fund the autistic program, is it more than regular ed students? The cost to educate special education students is higher than that of general education students. Because their needs frequently require more support, they tend to generate more teaching units. At the DAP, each teaching unit also generates a para unit.
What is a unit count ? How are teachers earned in every school? Unit Count refers to the number of specialists, teachers, and paras generated by student enrollment. In the current system, unit count is formally assessed on Sept. 30th based upon the actual number of students in attendance in district schools that day. Those numbers generate teacher units, etc. There are a myriad of problems with the Sept. 30th date, not the least of which is that it can mean oversized classes in September and disrupting the classroom through division in October. It also impedes the recruitment and hiring of highly-qualified educators. There is some flexibility for building level administration after September 30th in that they can convert teacher units to para units. At Keene, the principal previously converted one teaching unit to a counselor (unfortunately that counselor like many of the district guidance providers is among those to be RIF'd at the end of her contract.)
Our district has 18,200 students, until the state changes the way it funds public education and special services there is little any district can do. The staff at Drew has been cut by 22% under Dr. Lowery. Allow me to clarify my answer from last night (the CSD Candidate's Forum) -- I am aware that Dr. Lowery reduced Administration in CSD. I believe we have too much admin in the DOE. I do anticipate that Dr. Lowery will begin cuts there in her new role.
ZERO tolerance, how about a kid with a knife, pepper spray, hand-cuffs,
throwing a chair at a teacher, hitting a teacher? There needs to be a balance to discipline with intervention. We can discipline a student, including suspension and expulsion, and require intervention before returning to the district. Where we fail these students is that we do not identify them as at-risk prior to committing unacceptable behaviors. The ability to ID these students lies heavily with our counseling and teaching staff. The education system has the ability to intervene in these students lives before they become a part of the criminal law system. We owe it to our students and our communities to reach out to students in need, to offer them alternatives to criminal behavior. Again, I am all for strong disciplinary practices; however, we must do need to do more than punish them.
What roles does the parent play in social behavior ? Parents are absolutely imperative to teaching appropriate social behavior! However, there will be times when parents are simply unable to support their student/child. We need to develop a policy and plan for those instances. I believe education is a community responsibility, in the absence of a parent the community needs to step up. By reaching these students through a variety of protocol, we are increasing safety for all in our schools.
When is came to Elementary Intervention on the first offense, I was dismissed and told teachers do not have the time to set up TEAMS for monitoring and mentoring. Now you know why it happens. That is an absolute travesty! I would be the first and maybe the most outspoken when it comes to needing a TEAM approach to education. When we properly address the "out-of-control" student, we are better able to educate all students!
By the way, I respect you and your eagerness to help. You need to be more informed on how the system works. Good Luck. Thank You for your kind words. My intention truly is to help! Becoming a board member will not make me a better mother, it isn't fodder for a resume and won't qualify me for anything beyond my role as parent. It will give me an opportunity to live my personal philosophy while inspiring children to want/love/desire a great education! In the end, it is always 100% about our students. As for needing to be more informed -- I agree with you. It's not what we know, it's what we don't know that inspires me to be as educated in district and state policies as possible. Thank You, too, for your service to our children. It takes a tremendous person to persevere on behalf of our students. They are fortunate to have you in their corner .I hope I have earned your vote. If I can answer anymore questions, please let me. Sincerely, Elizabeth Scheinberg
Category:
0
comments
In response to constituent concerns, I have begun researching the status of Christina's Gifted and Talented programming. Some parents have expressed concerns to me for these offerings, especially for K-2nd grade.
My Stance: I strongly believe that we need to challenge all students in order to keep them engaged in the classroom. Delaware is one of a handful of states that does not require its school districts to identify gifted students, nor does it require specific services for exceptional students.
Today, I began a dialogue with CSD admin to learn more about how they are meeting the unique needs of this special population. Opening the channels of communication is the first step in the process to excellence. As I learn more about the specifics of the programs I will report back to residents and parents via this blog.
In the mean time, here's a great place to start learning about the status of G &T in Delaware:
http://dspace.udel.edu:8080/dspace/bitstream/19716/2363/1/gifted%20and%20talented.pdf
My Stance: I strongly believe that we need to challenge all students in order to keep them engaged in the classroom. Delaware is one of a handful of states that does not require its school districts to identify gifted students, nor does it require specific services for exceptional students.
Today, I began a dialogue with CSD admin to learn more about how they are meeting the unique needs of this special population. Opening the channels of communication is the first step in the process to excellence. As I learn more about the specifics of the programs I will report back to residents and parents via this blog.
In the mean time, here's a great place to start learning about the status of G &T in Delaware:
http://dspace.udel.edu:8080/dspace/bitstream/19716/2363/1/gifted%20and%20talented.pdf
Okay, it's early ... the news just hit that a student was knifed during a fight at Newark High. Newark Police responded quickly, the students were arrested, prom will go on as planned.
What?
When I was a kid growing up in the district, Newark High was considered the pinnacle of education in Christina. It was the "good" school, the one that every college-bound student wanted to attend.
Between knives and guns, it's clear that Newark isn't what it used to be. It's fallen to the ranks of it's sister schools, Glasgow and Christiana. And it's become quite clear that we have permitted the right to a public education to be compromised by our inability to ensure student safety.
So, how do we ensure student safety in a time when the success of zero tolerence policies is at question? Empirical data suggests that zero tolerance doesn't work, equal is not always fair, and such policies preclude common sense from coming into play.
We must find a way to temper discipline with intervention and support while enforcing fair policies. Clearly, students cannot bring knives and guns to school, much less use them. Such behavior must be adequately disciplined.
But, what if we were to turn the puzzle on its side and try to identify those student who would be at risk for such behaviors before the behavior occurs? What if, once a student is identified, we provided supports to that student to engage back in the learning environment. First, we reach out to parents to ascertain the type of home environment a student has, to learn what emotional baggage our student is carrying to school each day. We provide our students with access to mental health professionals like school pyschologists and counselors (granted that would require our board to vote no on the proposed RIF of our school counselors); engage social services to address issues in the home; develop afterschool programming (likely to involve community-based partnerships that include tutoring and mentoring); and assist our student to develop an education plan. Who do you want to be? How do you get there?
The question that remains is would this type of approach work? I believe a well thought out policy has the potential to decrease the number of disciplinary infractions that occur in our schools. We must reach our students before they commit serious crimes. We must engage them, support them, giving them alternatives to the criminal path. Once a student has entered the legal system, it far harder to rehabilitate them.
Some will argue we cannot afford to finance such a plan. But, if we do not find the finances on the front end, we will be forever supporting students-turned-criminals in our prisons. We, the community, pays one way or the other.
And what if our student, even after we've invested such resources in them, commits a serious crime? That's when the swift arm of common sense discipline must prevail.
Should todays students be expelled. Absolutely. Should they be thrown away, shuffled off to become someone else's problem? Absolutely NOT. They do need an alternative educational plan and setting. They will need serious resources to be rehabilitated, much of which may occur through our criminal justice system, if it occurs at all.
The real question is: which plan can we afford? One that preempts disciplinary infractions or one that is reactive to crime?
What?
When I was a kid growing up in the district, Newark High was considered the pinnacle of education in Christina. It was the "good" school, the one that every college-bound student wanted to attend.
Between knives and guns, it's clear that Newark isn't what it used to be. It's fallen to the ranks of it's sister schools, Glasgow and Christiana. And it's become quite clear that we have permitted the right to a public education to be compromised by our inability to ensure student safety.
So, how do we ensure student safety in a time when the success of zero tolerence policies is at question? Empirical data suggests that zero tolerance doesn't work, equal is not always fair, and such policies preclude common sense from coming into play.
We must find a way to temper discipline with intervention and support while enforcing fair policies. Clearly, students cannot bring knives and guns to school, much less use them. Such behavior must be adequately disciplined.
But, what if we were to turn the puzzle on its side and try to identify those student who would be at risk for such behaviors before the behavior occurs? What if, once a student is identified, we provided supports to that student to engage back in the learning environment. First, we reach out to parents to ascertain the type of home environment a student has, to learn what emotional baggage our student is carrying to school each day. We provide our students with access to mental health professionals like school pyschologists and counselors (granted that would require our board to vote no on the proposed RIF of our school counselors); engage social services to address issues in the home; develop afterschool programming (likely to involve community-based partnerships that include tutoring and mentoring); and assist our student to develop an education plan. Who do you want to be? How do you get there?
The question that remains is would this type of approach work? I believe a well thought out policy has the potential to decrease the number of disciplinary infractions that occur in our schools. We must reach our students before they commit serious crimes. We must engage them, support them, giving them alternatives to the criminal path. Once a student has entered the legal system, it far harder to rehabilitate them.
Some will argue we cannot afford to finance such a plan. But, if we do not find the finances on the front end, we will be forever supporting students-turned-criminals in our prisons. We, the community, pays one way or the other.
And what if our student, even after we've invested such resources in them, commits a serious crime? That's when the swift arm of common sense discipline must prevail.
Should todays students be expelled. Absolutely. Should they be thrown away, shuffled off to become someone else's problem? Absolutely NOT. They do need an alternative educational plan and setting. They will need serious resources to be rehabilitated, much of which may occur through our criminal justice system, if it occurs at all.
The real question is: which plan can we afford? One that preempts disciplinary infractions or one that is reactive to crime?
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From the News Journal:
Student knifed during fight at Newark High
The News Journal • May 1, 2009
A student was wounded with a knife during a fight between two students at Newark High School this morning, the school’s principal says.
Principal Curtis Bedford said in an e-mail to parents and students that Newark police responded immediately when called to the school.
The students were arrested, he said, and also will be disciplined under the Christina School District’s Code of Conduct.
There was no mention of the extent of the student's injury or if medical treatment was required.
The prom scheduled for this evening will be held as scheduled, he said.
Student knifed during fight at Newark High
The News Journal • May 1, 2009
A student was wounded with a knife during a fight between two students at Newark High School this morning, the school’s principal says.
Principal Curtis Bedford said in an e-mail to parents and students that Newark police responded immediately when called to the school.
The students were arrested, he said, and also will be disciplined under the Christina School District’s Code of Conduct.
There was no mention of the extent of the student's injury or if medical treatment was required.
The prom scheduled for this evening will be held as scheduled, he said.
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