PRINCIPALS' MESSAGES 2004

MARCH 4, 2004

We are making progress toward the first "roll-out" of NC WISE to approximately one-third of North Carolina local school districts. Preliminary assessment and planning work are already underway. NC WISE, the much-needed replacement for SIMS, is a technology project, but also much more than that. In the six districts that piloted NC WISE over the last few years, NC WISE has been a catalyst for change in business practices. Not only does it help centralize data of all types, but it also provides better access to data for principals and teachers. David Ansbacher of East Millbrook Middle School, Wake County, characterizes NC WISE as having provided him with more independence and more power because of the better access to information. His comments were part of the new NC WISE video, NC WISE: Reflections for the Future, which was shown for the first time last week at the 2004 NC WISE -SIMS Symposium. As with any change, the move to NC WISE will have its bumps in the road, but the road is wider and leads to a better way of doing business in schools.

Regards,
Mike Ward

In this Biweekly Principals' Message:

1. State Board Meeting Highlights
2. Registration Closed for Gap Conference
3. March 14-20 is Severe Weather Awareness Week
4. Two Elementary Schools Recognized as Distinguished Title I Schools
5. PEP Principal Survey Results and Observations
6. Benefits Manual Available Online
7. Arts + Technology = 21st Century Literacy
8. Teacher Exchange Opportunity
9. Article of Interest

State Board Meeting Highlights

The State Board of Education approved modifications to its accountability workbook under No Child Left Behind that provide more flexibility as related to testing limited English proficient students, approved a new top recognition category (Honor Schools of Excellence) for the ABCs accountability program and finalized its 2004-05 supplemental budget request. The complete SBE Highlights will be posted online by Tuesday afternoon at http://www.ncpublicschools.org/sbehighlights/

Registration Closed for Gap Conference

Principals are asked to remind staff that if they have not already registered for the Eighth Annual Raising Achievement, Closing the Gap Conference to be held later in March it is too late to do so as registration has reached capacity. Registrations received after Feb. 10 will not be honored. A memo will be sent to the person submitting the registration fee informing them that their registration has been denied. Educators also are asked not to show up to register the day of the conference as they will be turned away. If you have questions regarding whether a registration has been accepted, you can go online to the Conference Web site at http://www.ncpublicschools.org/schoolimprovement/closingthegap/conference/ where registrants are listed. Other questions regarding the conference may be directed to Angela Hopson, Closing the Achievement Gap Section, DPI, 919.807.3609 or by email, ahopson@dpi.state.nc.us.

March 14-20 is Severe Weather Awareness Week

Principals are reminded that Gov. Mike Easley has proclaimed March 14-20 as Severe Weather Awareness Week throughout North Carolina. A tornado drill has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 17, at 9:15 a.m., at which time the National Weather Service will issue a required weekly test over the NOAA weather radio system. This can serve as a signal for schools to initiate their own tornado drills. The drill will conclude when participants complete their drill activities. There will not be an "all clear" message issued. If there is any possibility of inclement weather that day, the drill will be held on Friday, March 19.

Two Elementary Schools Recognized as Distinguished Title I Schools

Congratulations to Hunter Elementary School (Guilford County Schools) and principal Joe Ferrell, and Lockhart Elementary School (Wake County Schools) and principal Martha Martin, for recently being recognized as 2004 Distinguished Title I Schools. To find out why these schools were selected for this award, please go to DPI's Web site at http://www.ncpublicschools.org and look under "In the News."

PEP Principal Survey Results and Observations

The recent winter issue of LEADERSHIP, published by the Principal's Executive Program, has an excellent summary of the 2003 Principalship Survey. In this issue, Dr. Anita Ware provides additional information gathered from the 500+ responses to the survey. A total of 93 percent agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that they understand the expectations of the NCLB legislation and the meanings of Adequately Yearly Progress. Nearly 30 percent of principals stated that they spend the majority of their time with instructional issues but 52 percent disagreed that the majority of their time was spent in instructional areas. Almost 33 percent agreed that too much time was spent on student disciplinary issues. Strategies that responders listed to address principal shortages included: coaching or mentoring for principals; increasing the number of scholarships for prospective administrators; having add-on license processes for a principal license and lateral entry opportunities for principals. Go online to http://www.ncpep.org for additional information or to read the full summary.

Benefits Manual Available Online

The updated Employee Benefits Manual is available online at http://www.ncpublicschools.org/benemanual Due to the cost of printing and mailing, a manual will not be printed for distribution to schools. Please let your staff know of the availability of this resource.

Arts + Technology = 21st Century Literacy

On March 23 from 4 - 6 p.m., outstanding educators from Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts will share exciting practices that integrate digital technology to teach the arts and improve students' reading and writing skills. The broadcast is accessible to any educator in the state via two-way videoconferencing at NC Info Highway sites or Web cast. Potential CEU credit is available with prior approval by local school systems. Visit DPI's Distance Learning System's Web site at http://video.dpi.state.nc.us/eforums/ for all the details or call Cris Crissman, STAR Schools Consultant, Distance Learning Systems, DPI, 919.807.3582, or by email, ccrissma@dpi.state.nc.us.

Teacher Exchange Opportunity

The North Carolina Partners of the Americas is offering a Teacher-in-Residence program. The selected English teacher and/or administrator will travel to Cochabamba, Bolivia, to spend one month in a professional development exchange program. The program is funded under USAID and is conducted in cooperation with the bi-national centers of Latin America. Travel costs are covered and a small stipend is provided. The candidate will be housed with a host family. The ability to speak Spanish is a plus, but not required. Selection of the candidate will occur in late April with travel scheduled for June or July. Interested candidates should send a resume and other pertinent details to Sallie Abbas at swabbas@nc.rr.com. For more information call Abbas at 919.467.0382 or go online to http://www.ncboliviapartners.org

Article of Interest

The following article appeared in the PEN Weekly NewsBlast and may be of interest to principals. In "The Role of the Principal in Teacher Retention," the Charlotte Advocates for Education (CAE), a Charlotte-area education fund, studied the relationship between principals and teacher retention. This study focused on local principals, particularly those in high needs schools, who have been more successful in retaining teachers while also increasing student achievement. Key findings are outlined in their report and can be accessed from the link below. In addition, the report includes specific recommendations for addressing principal recruitment and hiring, principal preparation and support, as well as the recommendation to re-examine the traditional leadership structure within our schools. To read more, please go online to http://www.advocatesfored.org/principalstudy.htm