The Echo

The State of Delaware will begin Swine Flu vaccinations this week for students in their public schools. Permission forms were due in October for children to be eligible for the innoculations.
Vaccination Date      

11/2/09                                    Booker T Washington Elementary, CAPITAL
11/2/09                                    East Dover Elementary , CAPITAL
11/2/09                                    Brennan School, CHRISTINA
11/2/09                                    Jennie Smith, CHRISTINA
11/2/09                                    Sterck School, CHRISTINA
11/2/09                                    Lake Forest Central Elementary, LAKE FOREST
11/2/09                                    Lake Forest ILC, LAKE FOREST
11/2/09                                    Lake Forest East Elementary, LAKE FOREST
11/3/09                                    Appoquinimink ECC, APPOQUINIMINK
11/3/09                                    Bunker Hill, APPOQUINIMINK
11/3/09                                    Silver Lake Elementary ,APPOQUINIMINK
11/3/09                                    Claymont, BRANDYWINE
11/3/09                                    Maple Lane, BRANDYWINE
11/3/09                                    Milton Elementary, CAPE
11/3/09                                    Frankford Elementary, INDIAN RIVER
11/4/09                                    Fairview Elementary, CAPITAL
11/4/09                                    Hartly Elementary, CAPITAL
11/4/09                                    Brandywine Springs, RED CLAY
11/4/09                                    Odyssey, RED CLAY
11/4/09                                    Sunnyside Elementary, SMYRNA
11/4/09                                    North Smyrna, SMYRNA
11/5/09                                    Alfred G. Waters, APPOQUINIMINK
11/5/09                                    Cedar Lane ECC, APPOQUINIMINK
11/5/09                                    Cedar Lane Elementary, APPOQUINIMINK
11/5/09                                    MOT Charter, APPOQUINIMINK
11/5/09                                    Forwood, BRANDYWINE
11/5/09                                    Harlan, BRANDYWINE
11/5/09                                    Prestige Academy, BRANDYWINE
11/5/09                                    Douglass, CHRISTINA
11/5/09                                    Lake Forest South Elementary, LAKE FOREST
11/5/09                                    Dunbar Elementary, LAUREL
11/5/09                                    Laurel Intermediate School, LAUREL
11/5/09                                    Seaford Central, SEAFORD
11/5/09                                    Blades Elementary, SEAFORD
11/5/09                                    Phillis Wheatley Middle School, WOODBRIDGE
11/6/09                                    Howard T. Ennis, INDIAN RIVER
11/6/09                                    North Georgetown Elementary, INDIAN RIVER
11/6/09                                    Allen School, INDIAN RIVER
11/6/09                                    Linden Hill, RED CLAY

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091101/OPINION10/911010312&s=d&page=2#pluckcomments
Parents aren't supporting alternative school
November 1, 2009
Thank you for your article regarding the Douglass Alternative School. To those parents who call it a reform school, wouldn't you like your child to have a 4-1 student-to-teacher ratio? Do you like the mentoring there? A child learns right from wrong. Maybe those parents who stand up and speak falsehoods about the Christina School District need to visit Douglass. Maybe some board members need a visit as well...

Read More HERE

(For the record, I toured Douglass on Oct. 7th in keeping with my plan to visit every school in our district this year. To date I have met with principals and observed classes at:  Douglass, Sarah Pyle, Christina High, Glasgow High, Brader Elem, West Park Elem, Pulaski, Elem and Elbert Palmer Elem.  I am scheduled for Jones Elementary this week.)

http://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/story/1019488.html

School chief to refuse bonus, cites tough economic times for district


By KATE CERVE
kcerve@beaufortgazette.com
843-706-8177
Published Saturday, October 31, 2009

Beaufort County schools superintendent Valerie Truesdale announced Saturday she will refuse any bonus the Board of Education might award her this year for boosting student achievement and meeting other goals.

"I just don't think that's appropriate," Truesdale said at the board's annual fall retreat.

She said money is tight during these challenging economic times and it would be unreasonable for her to personally gain from the collective efforts of the district, including its teachers and other instructional leaders.

The board met Saturday to evaluate Truesdale's performance during the 2008-09 school year and determine whether she should receive the annual performance-based bonus listed in her contract. Truesdale received a $17,500 bonus last year.

However, after a three-hour closed session, the board said they would postpone Truesdale's formal evaluation until January, when scores on the state-mandated Palmetto Assessment of State Standards are expected to be available from the S.C. Department of Education.

The new test, which third- through eighth-graders took for the first time last school year, replaces the old Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test. The board's academic goals for Truesdale are tied to student performance on PASS tests.

"I would like to personally commend Dr. Truesdale not only for her contributions, for what she has done throughout the year, but for her willingness to forgo a pay bonus for all she has achieved," said board chairman Fred Washington Jr.

Other topics discussed by the board on Saturday included:

Federal desegregation agreement

Washington said the board is negotiating with the federal Office of Civil Rights regarding the district's 1970 desegregation agreement.

"We'd just like to leave it at that," he said.

The desegregation plan became an issue this summer when OCR ruled the projected racial composition of Riverview Charter School in Beaufort did not comply with the plan and required the school to take several steps to boost minority enrollment.

John Reagle, an attorney with Childs & Halligan in Columbia, spoke to board members about what would be required to terminate the district's agreement with OCR and prove it has eliminated vestiges of prior racism.

The process is extensive, Reagle said, and would require a review of several years of data demonstrating the district has fully complied with the desegregation agreement and that the district's programs operate in a non-discriminatory manner.

"This is a very involved, detailed and time-consuming process, and one which, in our view, would not be successful until a couple of years after Whale Branch High School has been operating and the current requirements of the desegregation agreement relating to Riverview have been complied with," Reagle wrote in a Aug. 13 letter to the district.

Reagle also told board members other constitutional and federal regulations prohibit discrimination against any racial group. The authority of the federal government would exist with -- or without -- the desegregation plan, he said.

The plan is a monitoring document that gives the district flexibility, Reagle said.

"On the practical side, what it allows you to do is have greater latitude to take affirmative actions to integrate your schools," he said.

Attendance zones

The board directed district administration to better distribute students among the four existing high schools and Whale Branch High School, slated to open this fall in Seabrook as an "early college" magnet program.

Bluffton and Beaufort high schools are now overcrowded, while there are empty seats on Hilton Head Island and at Battery Creek high schools.

"If we add up the number of kids and seats, we have more seats than kids, but we just don't have them very balanced right now," board vice chairman Bob Arundell said.

The board asked administrators to consider moving some Bluffton High students to Hilton Head High next fall, either by zoning some students who live in Bluffton to that school or allowing students to voluntarily transfer to Hilton Head.

"If there's an option for voluntary movement instead of mandated, let's try that first," board member Laura Bush said.

The board also asked administrators to consider moving some Bluffton High students to high schools north of the Broad River with available space.

The board voted Friday to establish an attendance area and student body for the Whale Branch Early College High School no later than March 15. Rising seniors in the Whale Branch attendance area would stay at their home school next year, the board decided.

The board directed the district to eliminate overcrowding at Beaufort High when setting attendance zones for Whale Branch High, likely by shifting some Beaufort High students to Battery Creek.

"When opening this new school, with the extra space at Whale Branch, we need to solve that," board member Jim Bequette said

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

Have a safe and happy holiday!

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

Chicago School Closings Found to Yield Few Gains

By Dakarai I. Aarons


Premium article access courtesy of Edweek.org.

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

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

Part I.  What the Most Recent Legislation Requires:

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

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

The Legislation of 2007 and 2010:

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

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

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

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

Task force works on zero-tolerance rules

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Elizabeth

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

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

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

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

Question: What is a 504 plan?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-----

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

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

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

Christina School District - NEWS

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

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

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

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

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



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


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

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

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

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