For Your Information
Vol. 21, No. 4
February 28, 2009
Click here for past issues of the For Your Information newsletter.
State Board Hears Proposal to Create ‘Unique Student Identifiers’
As the nation continues the transition to a standard graduation rate formula for all, Alabama is taking another step toward keeping track of dropouts and students transferring in and out of schools within the state.
The proposed Unique State Student Identifier Number Program was presented at Thursday’s K-12 state Board of Education work session at Northview High School in Dothan.
Dr. Tommy Bice, deputy state superintendent of education for instructional services, said the state-issued numbers would replace students’ Social Security numbers as the official means for identifying students, particularly when keeping records.
Bice said the model is a national one and also helps protect students from identity theft by not transferring students’ Social Security numbers.
The oft-discussed economic stimulus package approved recently by Congress also found its way back into state board discussion Thursday. Sights are set on grant money from the stimulus to fund nine “Professional Pathways to Support Quality Teaching” pilot projects backed by the Governors’ Commission on Quality Teaching. At its regular meeting earlier this month, the state board endorsed the commission’s plan, which includes:
- Options for highly effective teachers to assume broader roles in instructional improvement, and
- Pathways for highly effective teachers — who would rather forego administrative positions to maintain direct contact with students — to progress professionally.
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Joe Morton and other education leaders met with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan this week to discuss the $100 billion set aside for education in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“The secretary talked repeatedly about funding — through a particular funding stream — some reform measures to increase rigor around math, science and reading and more rigor at the high school level,” Morton said. In the state board’s suggested education budget for 2010, there is emphasis on the state Department of Education’s math, science, technology, reading and distance learning initiatives as well as Alabama’s revised high school graduation options that are effective in August.
Even in a recession and a shortfall of about $800 million in state education funding, Morton said he believes the state is “poised and ready” to make the most of the economic stimulus and continue its academic momentum.
In addition to using stabilization funds to keep teachers on the payroll, Morton said increases in Title I, special education and technology funding will bring in excess of $700 million for K-12 education to Alabama over two years. He also said career technical education is identified within the fiscal stabilization as an allowable and acceptable expenditure.
Thursday’s work session included discussion of a proposal that would smooth the way for industry professionals and others interested in teaching. The proposal would allow a passing score on teacher subject tests in lieu of 12 semester hours of college credit.
In other discussion, the board heard an update on the Health and Physical Education Courses of Study. The new version strikes reference to a particular fitness test for local systems to use when reporting to the state Department of Education and adds a list of federal and state regulations that impact physical education.
Board members in the host county who attended the work session were Dothan’s superintendent, Dr. Sam Nichols, and board members Gayla White and Dr. Hays McKay, as well as Houston County’s superintendent, Tim Pitchford, and board members Scott Thomas and James G. Cox.
When the board meets for its regular K-12 meeting March 12, it will vote on the Alabama School of Fine Arts board recommendations and appoint a state textbook committee for career and technical, health, physical and technology education.
Advance in Academy: Register for
March 13-14 Core Course on Policy
Indeed times are economically challenging, but now more than ever education leaders need the governance skills necessary to maintain academic progress and continue to move forward. It’s not too late to register for AASB’s March 13-14 academy course on Leadership for Policy and Planning. Discover how policy and planning can be springboards to student success. Learn about strategic planning, 21st century goal-setting and policymaking that prepares graduates for tomorrow.
Prior to the policy and planning leadership course, Sherry A. Key, the state Department of Education’s Career and Technical Education Director, will present the early bird workshop Career Technical Education: Spring into 21st Century Careers. The workshop will be from 1-3 p.m. Friday, March 13.
Board members who attend can earn academy credit, while others may be able to apply the training toward continuing education units. Call 800/996-3739 to reserve rooms at The Wynfrey Hotel or visit www.wynfrey.com and enter group code 1AT8KO. Register for the conference online at www.alabamaschoolboards.org.
The conference cost is $125 for members and $250 for non-members and includes meals and materials. Late registration carries a $10 fee. The early bird workshop cost is $65 for members and $130 for non-members. Call Debora for details at 800/562-0601.
Boards Wanted to Help Identify Best Practices to Boost Student Success
AASB invites school leadership teams to join in a two-year training program designed to improve student achievement through governance. The state Department of Education will fund the program for five board-superintendent teams, so participants pay nothing.
Other partners in AASB’s exciting Governing for Achievement Project include the School Superintendents of Alabama and the A+ Education Partnership. The program and materials have already produced statistically significant increases in student achievement elsewhere. We hope to replicate these results in Alabama and use the research to further develop AASB training programs. Training starts soon. If your board is interested or has questions, contact LuAnn Bird at 800/562-0601 or send e-mail to lbird@alabamaschoolboards.org.
April 4-7 Conference Targets Leadership in Tough Times
The National School Boards Association invites school board members to its April 4-7 annual conference in San Diego for motivational speakers, expert advice and the opportunity to collaborate with a nationwide network of your colleagues.
Planners say attendees will return with real, workable solutions to give direction and leadership to your school system in these challenging times. The 2009 Annual Conference offers more than 300 educational sessions and features such speakers as U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan (April 4), Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison (April 5) along with best-selling authors Julie Andrews (April 6) and Greg Mortenson (April 7). Register online at www.nsba.org/conference.
See High-tech Education in Alabama
Presented by the National School Boards Association’s Technology Leadership Network, the 2009 Education Technology Site Visits program showcases the best in high-tech innovation. This year, Alabamians have a home-state advantage and can see innovative strategies in action March 25-27 at Madison City Schools in Madison. Register at www.nsba.org/sitevisits. The cost is $375 for Technology Leadership Network members and $435 for non-members. For details, call 800/950-6722.
Celebrate Success in Rural Schools
The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries’ Center for Rural Alabama will release their report, Lessons Learned from Rural Schools, at a banquet on May 6. The report looks at 10 high-performing, high-poverty rural elementary schools in Mobile, Jackson, Wilcox, Cleburne, Covington, Escambia, Winston, Franklin, Choctaw and Perry counties. Tickets are $25 each. Contact Larry Lee at 334/240-7272 or larry.lee@agi.alabama.gov for info.
Keep Moving Forward with Customized Training for Boards
How will your leadership team set priorities during times of proration? AASB offers consulting services to help your full board learn what has the greatest impact on student achievement. Let us facilitate a board work session or board retreat on your turf. If you’re interested in training designed to meet your board’s specific needs, contact LuAnn Bird at 800/562-0601 or lbird@alabamaschoolboards.org.
— Denise L. Berkhalter
publicrelations@alabamaschoolboards.org
Alabama Association of School Boards: Celebrating 60 years
of helping local education leaders improve student achievement.
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