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ALABAMA NEARLY DOUBLES NUMBER OF
ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEST TAKERS

Since 2004, Alabama public schools have nearly doubled the number of Advanced Placement exam takers and quadrupled the number of African American test takers, according to state Superintendent of Education Dr. Joe Morton.

Morton praised a recent news article that lauded state gains in AP participation and scores during Thursday's state Board of Education meeting for K-12.

Among the 2,972 students with qualifying AP exam scores of 3 or higher in 2009, there were 227 African American students — compared to 99 in 2004. Also, 160 students who eat free and reduced lunch, an indicator of poverty, earned scores in the 3-5 range. Only 54 low-income students did so in 2004, when there were just 3,217 AP test takers.

Morton described the state's jump in the total number of AP exam takers — now 16.3 percent of the student population or 6,466 students — as "another piece in the puzzle of improving K-12 education in this state."

Also at Thursday’s meeting, the state board announced plans to amend its teacher certification rules in regard to applicants for certification in educational administration or instructional leadership who completed education administration programs at out-of-state institutions.

Acceptance of those applications will no longer be automatic, effective Sept. 1. Notice was given to that effect last year, but the notification period has now been extended through Aug. 31 this year. The state board will hear public comment on the proposed change at its April 8 meeting for K-12.

According to a news release from the state Department of Education, Alabama will continue to process applications for those with a valid certificate in educational administration or instructional leadership from the state where an approved program was completed; at least three years of acceptable educational experience; and documented compliance with Alabama’s testing and background clearance requirements.

In other business, the board unanimously approved a list of members for the Mathematics State Textbook Committee.

The state board’s regular K-12 meeting will be March 11. A K-12 work session is scheduled for Feb. 25.

REGISTRATION UNDER WAY FOR MARCH 19-20
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY COURSE

In a school board leader's world, accountability is the word of the day. Join AASB March 19-20 for the School Board Member Academy's core course on Leadership for Financial Accountability. Register now and enjoy a special appearance from U.S. Department of Education Senior Analyst Dennis Bega, who will share key federal initiatives that could impact Alabama's schoolchildren and your school system's bottom line.

You'll also hear the latest from Deputy State Superintendent Dr. Tommy Bice about education programs and statewide initiatives meant to improve student outcomes and boost graduation rates. Attend to discover the value in funding “what matters most” and learn how to find additional resources to overcome these tough times.

And, don’t forget to register for the March 19 Early Bird Workshop, Governing for Higher Achievement. This statewide training project has brought together school board and superintendent teams to benefit from national research-based data gleamed from boards in high-achieving school systems. Tap into the lessons learned thus far, presented by those participating in Alabama’s Governing for Achievement Project. Find out how your board can do more to impact student learning.

Contact AASB for details at 800/562-0601 or dhendricks@AlabamaSchoolBoards.org.

JUNE 13-15 SUMMER CONFERENCE – BOOK YOUR ROOMS NOW!

How is your board's relationship? Whether your board works well together or needs a little relationship TLC, AASB calls all board members and full board teams to the team-building, -strengthening and -enhancing event of the summer. Now, more than ever, it's time to come together as a team to ensure academic excellence and progress survive these rocky, economic times. We'll see you June 13-15 at the Perdido Hotel in Orange Beach for intense discussions on how to Build Winning Teams for a Brighter Future.

Why June and not the traditional July? You asked for an earlier Summer Conference and AASB responded. So, don't delay. Book your housing reservations today if you want to be guaranteed a room at the lowest rate and beat the rush.

Call the Perdido Hotel in Orange Beach, 800/634-8001 (mention AASB to receive the discounted hotel rate). Leadership I, part of a two-course orientation for new school board members, will be June 12. Summer Conference follows June 13-15. Keep checking www.AlabamaSchoolBoards.org/Conferences.htm for more details!

DISTRICT 9 MEETING SET FOR FEB. 18

Didn’t make it to your district’s winter meeting? No problem. Join us Feb. 18 for the District 9 meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. Central Time in Huntsville. The only cost is your meal. You don’t want to miss vital information on student anti-harassment and board training policies and the latest update from the Alabama Legislature.

The Student Harassment Prevention Act requires each school board to adopt a local policy by July 1, 2010. At the district meeting, you’ll hear a review of the model policy created by the state Department of Education, as directed by the statute, to guide local boards of education. You’ll also hear a presentation on Student Anti-Harassment: What Boards Should Know by Dr. Sue Adams, retired director of the state Department of Education’s Prevention and Support Services Section.

Participants receive a fiscal/legislative look ahead, as well as updates on AASB news and the mandate for putting local board training policies in place by March 1. Register online at www.AlabamaSchoolBoards.org for the meeting at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Downtown, 800 Monroe Street SW, Huntsville. Boards in District 9 include those in Albertville, Arab, Blount, Boaz, Guntersville, Huntsville, Jackson, Madison City, Madison County, Marshall,
Oneonta and Scottsboro.

PUT YOUR HAT IN THE RING FOR COMMITTEE SERVICE

AASB members participate in association governance through standing committees and ad hoc committees formed as needed. Committee members are appointed for one-year terms by AASB’s president with the approval of the Board of Directors. School board members interested in taking a more active role in AASB are encouraged to serve on one of the following committees: Budget and Finance, Academy Advisory, Resolutions, Bylaws, Pre-K & School Readiness (ad hoc) and Multicultural (ad hoc). To volunteer, notify AASB Executive Director Sally Howell, J.D., (P.O. Drawer 230488, Montgomery, AL 36123; 800/562-0601 or 334/270-0000, fax; showell@alabamaschoolboards.org). The deadline to apply for committee membership is Feb. 22.

WE CAN BRING TRAINING TO YOU

While AASB's conferences, workshop and convention bring you a wide array of training opportunities, you don't always have to leave home to work on your boardmanship skills. We can bring training to your local  meetings, work sessions or retreats with programs on a variety of topics -- from governing for student achievement, school board roles and responsibilities, team building and conducting tax referenda to updating your policy manual and getting the most from a board self-evaluation. These services are offered as either a member service with no additional fee or for a nominal cost. To find out more, contact AASB Board Development Director LuAnn Bird at lbird@AlabamaSchoolBoards.org or 800/562-0601.

CHARTER SCHOOLS 101 CD AVAILABLE

The Alabama Association of School Boards recently presented a webinar titled Charter Schools 101 that has been captured on a resource CD. The $25 CD recaps the audio and presentation by former National School Boards Association attorney Thomas Hutton. Contact AASB at 800/562-0601 or dnorris@AlabamaSchoolBoards.org to order your copy.

NSBA ANNUAL CONFERENCE APRIL 9-12

The 2010 NSBA Annual Conference will be April 9-12 in Chicago. Registration is now open at www.NSBA.org. The conference features a programming line-up designed to help boards find solutions, demonstrate accountability and work together to improve student achievement. Speakers include Emmy-winning broadcast journalist Charlie Rose, Grammy-winning jazz musician and arts education advocate Wynton Marsalis, and Apple co-founder and renowned philanthropist Steve Wozniak.

FREE WEBINARS & DEMONSTRATIONS?

Looking to go paperless? AASB’s strategic partner, eBoardsolutions Inc., offers free webinars and on-demand videos on Paperless Board Meetings, Strategic Planning and More! Learn more at www.eboardsolutions.com.

Is your community not engaged? AASB’s strategic partner, High Ground Solutions Inc., can help you engage your community by keeping them informed. High Ground Solutions’ SchoolCast product provides messaging via multiple communication vehicles – e-mail, text messages, cell or landline voice calls, and PDAs/Blackberries. Learn more at www.highgroundsolutions.com/schoolcast.html.

To learn more or to schedule your free webinar or demonstration, contact AASB at info@AlabamaSchoolBoards.org.

— Denise L. Berkhalter,
publicrelations@AlabamaSchoolBoards.org

Alabama Association of School Boards:
Developing excellent school board leaders through quality training, advocacy and services.