SBE HIGHLIGHTS
SBE HIGHLIGHTS DECEMBER. 4-6, 2007
Special Note:To review background materials on each item, please go to http://www.ncpublicschools.org/stateboard/meetings/2007/12. Click on the appropriate agenda category: Globally Competitive Students (GCS); Twenty-First Century Professionals (TCP); Leadership for Innovation (LFI); Twenty-First Century Systems (TCS); or Healthy Responsible Students (HRS).
Action Agenda
National Board Certification Promissory Note for State Funding (TCS 2) - The State Board of Education approved recommended changes to the National Board Certification Promissory note that teachers must complete prior to applying for state funding of the $2,500 assessment fee. The changes help ensure that teachers are more aware of the promissory note they are signing.
Revision of Licensure Policy to Facilitate the Licensing of Administrators and Instructional Support Personnel as Teachers (TCP 1) - Board members approved a revision to the licensure policy that allows individuals who hold a clear administrator, supervisor or student services license, but are not licensed in a teaching area, to be issued a lateral entry license in order to complete an approved program in the teaching area.
Action on First Reading
Changes to the 2006-07 LEA Improvement Status Report (GCS 1) - The following changes to the 2006-07 LEA Improvement Status Report were approved:
- Beaufort County Schools from Year 1 Math and Reading to Not in LEA Improvement
- Caswell County Schools from Year 1 Math to Not in LEA Improvement
- Edgecombe County Schools from Year 2 Reading and Year 1 Math to Year 2 Reading and Year 2 Math due to not meeting the 95 percent in grade 10 Math
- Warren County Schools from Year 1 Math to Not in LEA Improvement
- Also approved was a 2006-07 AYP Status Change for Nations Ford Elementary (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools) from Met to Not Met.
Recommended Final Achievement Level Descriptors (ALDs) for the EOC Tests of Algebra I, Geometry and English I (GCS 2) - Board members approved recommended final achievement level descriptors for the Algebra I, Geometry and English I end-of-course assessments. The descriptors are based on test data generated from the 2006-07 school year.
Recommended Interim Academic Achievement Standards (Cut Scores) and Draft Achievement Level Descriptors (ALDs) for the North Carolina Science Tests: General EOG, NCCLAS, and NCEXTEND2 OCS (GCS 3) - The recommended interim academic achievement standards (cut scores) and draft achievement level descriptors for the North Carolina end-of-grade science assessments in grades 5 and 8, the NCCLAS science assessments in grades 5 and 8 and the NCEXTEND2 OCS Life Skills Science Assessment were approved. The standards were generated from the pilot administration of the science tests in the 2006-07 school year.
Recommended Final Academic Achievement Standards (Cut Scores) and Achievement Level Descriptors for the NCEXTEND2 OCS Writing Assessment at Grade 10 (GCS 4) - Board members approved recommended final academic achievement standards (cut scores) and achievement level descriptors for the NCEXTEND2 OCS Writing Assessment at Grade 10.
Revision of North Carolina English Language Development Standard Course of Study, K-12 (GCS 5) - This item was moved from discussion to action on first reading. Board members approved moving forward with revising the K-12 English Language Development Standard Course of Study. Revising the Standard Course of Study will bring North Carolina's standards into alignment with Title III No Child Left Behind requirements. The first draft will be ready for comment in March with a final draft available prior to the conclusion of school to facilitate appropriate feedback from teachers.
Approval of Grant: Reading First Supplemental Funding (TCS 3) - An additional $900,000 in Reading First funds was approved for distribution to select schools in the following school systems: Anson, Asheboro City, Beaufort County, Bertie, Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, Duplin, Durham, Edgecombe, Elizabeth City/Pasquotank, Franklin, Halifax, Hertford, Hoke, Kannapolis City, Lee, Lenoir, Martin, Montgomery, Nash/Rocky Mount, New Hanover, Northampton, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Thomasville City, Vance, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Weldon City and Wilson. The following charter schools also will receive grant funds: Carter Community, Healthy Start Academy, Sallie B Howard School and SPARC Academy.
2005-06 LEA Technology Plan Monitoring Visits (LFI 1) - A summary of the report of Department monitoring visits to seven school systems and five charter schools with out-of- compliance technology plans was approved for receipt by Board members. The report includes reasons why the districts/charter schools were out of compliance and a recommended plan of action.
Approval of Charter School Technology Plans (LFI 2) - Technology plans for Greensboro Academy, Forsyth Academies and Research Triangle were approved. Board approval qualifies these charter schools for the School Technology Trust Fund, No Child Left Behind, and federal eRate monies, as well as a variety of private technology grants.
Program Approval Exemption Requests Under the Innovative Education Initiatives Act (LFI 3) - Program approval exemption requests under the Innovative Education Initiatives Act were approved as recommended. This item was moved to action on first reading to allow schools to take advantage of the waiver.
Discussion Agenda
Update of HSP-M-001 Course for Credit (GCS 6) - Board members discussed recommended revisions to the Course for Credit policy, which would remove references to seat time for online courses, clarify the expectations for end-of-course test administration at the local level, and clarify the requirement for course evaluation when a statewide assessment is not available.
Reaching One's Potential for Excellence (ROPE) Scholars Program (TCS 1) - Board members continued discussing the proposed framework for the pilot of the Reaching One's Potential for Excellence (ROPE) Scholars Program. Three LEAs (at least one will be rural and one will be urban) from different geographic areas of the state will be selected to participate in the pilot, which would begin in the 2009-2010 school year if funding is provided. The framework, which was developed in cooperation with the University of North Carolina Board of Governors and the State Board of Community Colleges, is to be sent to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by Dec. 15.
Educational Value Added Assessment System (EVAAS) Teacher Module (TCS 4) - This item was changed from action to discussion. Policy recommendations were discussed concerning how the Educational Value-Added Assessment System Teacher Module will be used. EVAAS can be used by school administrators to design and implement professional development programs that address the unique needs of their teachers based on their students' performance. Concerns were raised regarding the potential use of this data for teacher evaluation and the confidentiality of the information. A monitoring system needs to be in place to ensure that districts use the data appropriately and that confidentiality is protected. Appropriate administrator training also was recommended. This item will continue as a discussion item next month.
Appointment of Individuals to the State Evaluation Committee on Teacher Education (TCS 5) - Board members discussed reappointing Queens University of Charlotte Assistant Professor Dr. Patrice Petroff, Newton-Conover City Schools' Superintendent Dr. Barry Redmond and former Pender County Schools' Assistant Superintendent Dr. Audrey Toney, and appointing West Montgomery High School teacher Roy Beaman, McDowell High School teacher Tom Turner, and Pfeiffer University School of Education Dean Dr. Joyce Edwards to the State Evaluation Committee on Teacher Education. Dr. Redmond also was recommended for reappointment as chairman. The State Evaluation Committee on Teacher Education reviews findings related to compliance of colleges and universities with teacher education program approval standards and makes recommendations to the State Board of Education regarding program approval. Members serve three-year staggered terms.
Joint Technology Commission Report (TCS 6) - Business Education Technology Alliance Executive Director Myra Best presented the draft Joint Technology Commission Report. The report identifies a number of recommendations focused in the areas of Workforce Preparedness, Educational Technology Readiness and Policy. Members of the Business Education Technology Alliance, the School Technology Commission and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Information Technology in addition to other interested parties are currently reviewing the report. The report will include best practices for using technology to enhance teaching and learning in North Carolina's public schools. Report revisions reflect changes made by the 2007 session of the General Assembly and for continued implementation. The final report, including findings and recommendations, must be submitted to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Information Technology by Jan. 15.
State Evaluation Committee Program Approval Recommendations (TCP 3) - Program approval recommendations and any noted exceptions for East Carolina University, Elon University, Fayetteville State University, North Carolina A & T State University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, Saint Andrews Presbyterian College, Saint Augustine's College, and Winston-Salem State University were discussed for action next month.
Proposed Revision of the Teacher Education Program Approval Process (TCP 4) - The proposed revisions would create an annual review cycle that is aligned with the evaluation instruments being developed for teachers and school executives. The revisions also would eliminate some of the barriers to teacher recruitment and preparation, and incorporate 21st century skills and assessments into the programs.
Annual Report on the Reasons Teachers Leave the Profession (TCP 5) - Members discussed this report's findings that the aggregated system level turnover rate for 2006-07 was 12.31 percent - a slight decrease from the 12.58 percent reported for 2005-06. “Resigned to teach elsewhere” (22.20 percent) remains the number one reason why teachers left, with retirement (16.48 percent) and resignation due to family relocation (13.35 percent) coming in at second and third. The report, which compiles the reasons teachers leave teaching positions, will be submitted to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee.
Request to Establish an Additional Regional Alternative Licensure Center (TCP 6) - Board members discussed establishing a fourth Regional Alternative Licensure Center due to the volume of teachers currently being served by the centers. The centers work with state-approved teacher education programs and local district personnel to provide assistance to lateral entry and provisionally licensed teachers. The center is proposed to be located in the central-western part of the state.
Enrollment Increase Requests Above 10 Percent and Charter School Grade Changes (LFI 4) - Enrollment increase requests above 10 percent were discussed for several charter schools, as were requests for grade changes. Concerns were expressed regarding increasing enrollments in schools with low-performance trends.
Renewal Recommendations for Charter Schools with Charters Expiring June 2008 (LFI 5) - Board members discussed charter school renewal recommendations for Brevard Academy, Cape Lookout Marine Science High, Dillard Academy, East Wake Academy, Franklin Academy, Kennedy School, Kestrel Heights School, Lake Norman Charter School, Lincoln Charter School, The Hawbridge School (formerly New Century Charter), River Mill Academy, SPARC Academy, Tiller School and The Woods Charter School. The charters for these schools expire June 2008. All of the schools have requested 10-year charter renewals. Board members can approve charter renewals for periods ranging from one year to 10 years. Members expressed concerns about granting 10-year charter renewals in schools with low-performance trends.
Information Agenda
Report on LEA Status for Title III Improvement (GCS 7) - This item was changed to Action on First Reading and approved. NCDPI Accountability Services Director Lou Fabrizio presented board members with the Report on LEA Status for Title III Improvement. As a part of No Child Left Behind, local districts receiving Title III funds must meet a series of Annual Measurable Assessment Objectives (AMAO). Districts that do not meet their AMAO targets in the same set two years in a row are required by NCLB to develop a detailed improvement plan. Because of equating and scaling issues in the IDEA Language Proficiency Test by the test publisher, for 2006-07 the Department will only report on AMAO #3 - the percent of students in the limited English proficient subgroup meeting its AYP targets. Thirteen subgrantees missed at least one sub-target of their AMAO for two consecutive years, four subgrantees missed at least one sub-target for three consecutive years, and four missed at least one sub-target for four consecutive years. All subgrantees will be required to develop a detailed improvement plan for English Language Learners and attend a two-day meeting in March to focus on instructional strategies/activities that lead to improvement. Subgrantees missing four consecutive years will be required to bring an analysis of their current improvement plan and show how that plan has positively impacted progress or face sanctions.
Update on the Development and Piloting of New Evaluation Instruments for Teaches and School Executives (TCP 7) - McREL Vice President of Research and Evaluation Jean Williams updated Board members on the development of a draft rubric for evaluating school executives and piloting of new evaluation instruments for school executives and teachers based on new standards for the evaluation of school executives adopted by the Board in December 2006. Both instruments were developed, widely field tested and readied for pilot testing. The school executive evaluation is being piloted from Nov. 1- Dec. 14. The final evaluation instrument and process will be presented to the Board for discussion at its March meeting and for approval at its April meeting. Statewide implementation would occur during the 2008-09 school year. The teacher evaluation would be pilot tested between Jan. 2-Feb. 18. Pilot results would be used to revise the instrument and processes. The instrument would then be rolled out to about 20 percent of the schools (approximately 20,000 teachers). The evaluation instrument would be presented to the Board for discussion at its March 2009 meeting and for approval at its April 2009 meeting. Roll-out to half of the remaining schools would occur in the 2009-2010 school year with implementation statewide during the 2010-11 school year. What needs to be done prior to statewide rollout and potential barriers to implementation also were discussed.
NC Virtual Public School (NCVPS) Director's Report (LFI 6) - North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS) Director Bryan Setser discussed the NCVPS program, including the need to further develop its mission statement, vision, and goals and how they specifically fit in with the Board's goals of producing globally competitive students. Setser also outlined other issues that will need to be tackled including 21st century skills integration, LEA leadership training, policy flexibility for the 21st century learner, and bridging the digital divide.
Annual Report of School Crime and Violence: 2006-07 (HRS 1) - The rate of acts of crime and violence reported per 1,000 students in state public schools decreased by 0.13 percent, and the total number of acts of crime and violence increased by 0.5 percent. As has been consistently reported in previous years, the large majority of incidents reported were in categories considered non-violent: possession of a controlled substance in violation of law, possession of a weapon excluding firearms and powerful explosives, possession of an alcoholic beverage, and assault on school personnel not resulting in serious injury. The Department is implementing a number of programs including the Positive Behavioral Support Initiative and Media Ready to reduce the number of acts of crime and violence committed on school property. In addition, the information from the Crime and Violence Report will be used for a number of purposes including Safe Schools Grant review, school and district improvement plans, crisis management kits, superintendent and principal evaluations, grant writing and justification for additional resources.
Committees' New Business
Globally Competitive Students
Perkins Update - NCDPI Career and Technical Education Division Director Rebecca Payne provided information on the state's Career Technical Education (CTE) program including its mission, the number of courses being offered, the percentage of students taking CTE credits, the number of teachers providing CTE instruction, and enrollment trends. She also provided information on the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 including the purposes of the Act, Act requirements, and changes in law. The NCDPI's Career and Technical Education Division and the North Carolina Community College System are drafting a five-year plan (2008-2013) with appropriate annual revisions. (Board members approved the one-year transition plan for 2007-08 in April.) Public hearings recently were held to receive input into the State five-year plan. A draft timeline for completion of the five-year plan also was reviewed. Payne will come back to the Committee with a draft five-year plan for Committee and Board discussion with final Board approval to occur in April. The approved plan would then be submitted to the U.S. Education Department in May.
Healthy Responsible Students
Update on Implementation of Physical Activity Requirements - NCDPI Physical Education & Athletics/Sports Medicine Consultant Kymm Ballard provided an update on physical activity in elementary and middle schools. She preceded her comments by mentioning that the Department is currently collaborating with UNC-Chapel Hill for a full evaluation and trend data in physical activity from 2003 to present, and with Prevention Partners to review and study the Healthy Active Children and the federal wellness policies to streamline reporting requirements for districts. Results from these partnerships will be presented to the Board at a later meeting. Information on how elementary and middle schools are meeting the Board's 30 minutes/day physical activity requirement, Energizer (10-minute activities by subject area) usage, the percentage of teachers who attended Healthy Active Children policy training, and the successes and challenges elementary and middle schools are experiencing in implementing physical activity into the school day also were discussed.
Business/Finance and Advocacy Committee Update
Budget Process for FY 2008-09 (continuing discussion) - NCDPI Financial Services Director Becky McConkey provided an update on the budget process for FY 2008-09. A supplemental budget update form has been sent to all department associates and directors to identify any budget requests. These forms are due back Dec. 7. The Department is still waiting for directions from the State Budget Office. A draft budget will be assimilated for Committee discussion in January.
Communications Update - NCDPI Communications and Information Division Director Vanessa Jeter provided an update on communications activities during November. She noted that efforts were primarily focused on promoting Learn and Earn Online since students are beginning to register for next semester's courses, and internal communications focused on the NCDPI restructuring.
Connectivity Update - Phil Emer with the Friday Institute provided information on one-time funding investments that are being made to advance connectivity in the LEA, the region and the state and that are aligned with the School Connectivity Implementation and Operating Plan approved by the NC State Board of Education in August 2007. The methodology for determining the locations for investment during the 2007-08 FY is based upon connectivity need relative to the blueprint established by the SCI engineering team and prioritized based on equity factors. Funding is being provided to Ashe, Hyde, Lee, Madison, Rutherford and Yancey County Schools; Mooresville Graded School District; WinstonNet Consortium (Davidson, Davie, Elkin City, Lexington City, Mount Airy City, Stokes, Surry, Thomasville City, Yadkin and Winston-Salem/Forsyth); and WNCEdNET (Jackson, Macon, Cherokee, Graham, Clay and Swain County Schools; and Cherokee Tribal, Mountain Discovery, The Learning Center and Summit Charter Schools). Additional requests will be forthcoming.
21st Century Professionals Committee Update
Annual Report from the NC Professional Teaching Standards Committee - Carolyn McKinney presented the 2007 annual report. More information about the committee can be found on its Web site at http://www.ncptsc.org/.
Teacher Turnover and Teacher Working Conditions - Committee members heard a comparison of teacher turnover rates as reported by local school districts and as listed on the annual School Report Cards along with pertinent details from the Teacher Working Conditions Survey results. The LEA reports indicated an average turnover rate of 12.3 percent, while the School Report Card data shows a turnover rate of 16.3 percent. The School Report Cards reflect the difference in individuals employed in March of the current year with March of the prior year and is a non-duplicated count. NCDPI staff are considering ways to match more consistently the two reports. For example, LEA personnel administrators could be given the list of employees who have left based on the March-to-March count and have them indicate the reasons that these teachers gave for leaving a particular position. When the turnover rates are cross-referenced to results of the Teacher Working Conditions, some trends are clear. School leadership and empowerment are essential to retaining teachers. Effective leadership that provides sufficient planning time and that provides teachers with an environment of trust and support is important.
Special Presentation
Poe Center for Health Education Chief Executive Officer Kim Raynor spoke briefly on the Poe Center for Health Education's mission of providing health education to North Carolina children. The center provides health education programming for preschool through 12th grade students. Topics include dental health, general health, nutrition, drugs and alcohol, and family life. The programs follow North Carolina's Healthful Living Curriculum so that teachers are able to meet instructional objectives in these areas.
Special Recognition
Board members welcomed their new Local Board Advisor Sue Stone. Stone serves on the Surry County Schools Board of Education and is the North Carolina School Boards Association's Raleigh Dingman Award Winner. They also recognized their new Principal Advisor Deshera Mack. Mack is the principal at Rashkis Elementary School (Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools). Both were presented with a State Board pin and plaque.
Chairman's Remarks
State Board Chairman Howard Lee noted in his remarks that Broughton High School's band (Wake County Schools) would be marching in the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1. The Board will be sending the band a certificate in recognition of their selection. Lee also expressed concerns regarding dress standards for teachers in schools and for staff at the Department of Public Instruction. He requested that the Deputy Superintendent review the situation and report back to the Board. He said he also struggles with a four-day work week and the inability to reach staff. He requested that items and supporting materials not in the Board book be held until the next month's meeting. He also requested NCDPI leadership be in the building when the Board is in session.
State Board Executive Director Rebecca Garland reported on the priorities the Board had discussed at its retreat and activities that are underway to ensure that the priorities are met. Board members will be provided with a list noting the locations of middle school literacy coaches. Three schools could not fill their literacy coaching position so the positions were given to three schools on the waiting list. State Board staff Marvin Pittman and Kathy Sullivan are staffing the General Assembly's Committee on Dropout Prevention. Three information sessions were held with approximately 400 people attending. Grant applications are due Dec. 17 with grant recipients notified in January. The Committee on Dropout Prevention will decide on grant recipients. The Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee met yesterday. Staff received positive feedback on Department presentations, which included Career Technical Education, NC WISE, new assistance redesign and ABCs bonus payback issue. Attorney Jeff Koweek has been hired on a temporary basis to assist the Board with teacher revocation/licensure issues, and Katie Cornetto will be the Board's new attorney beginning Jan. 1.
State Superintendent's Report
State Superintendent June Atkinson noted in her report her visit to Caldwell County Career Center Middle College to celebrate the success of its SkillsUSA TeamWorks students who won the national TeamWorks contest for the second time. She also provided information on her advisory council meetings and noted some of the groups she has presented to during November. The Superintendents' Quarterly meeting is being held Dec. 7 in Greensboro. The main focus of this meeting is a presentation by the Knowledge Works Foundation on the 2006-2016 Map of Future Forces Affecting Education. She also noted upcoming conferences and handouts Board members had received.
Deputy State Superintendent's Report
In his report, Deputy State Superintendent J.B. Buxton noted that the Department dress code is an agenda item on its Agency Impact Team Committee meeting, a cross-functional team that addresses issues related to working conditions. The four-day work week, which was never allowed for Department management, effectively ended some months ago. A work-from-home option is still considered for those employees who are on the road working with schools the majority of the week. In addition, Department space remains extremely tight and 80 staff members are still on the waiting list for any state parking space. In regard to conferences, the Department is working with local superintendents to determine which conferences can be consolidated and scheduled outside the school year. Buxton also provided information on More at Four (35 slots away from filling the additional 10,000 slots allotted by the General Assembly), Learn and Earn Online (major communications effort underway to get the word out about this program since students are beginning to register for next year's classes), Licensure (backlog has almost been eliminated; working to update the phone system and Web site to be more user friendly and allow citizens to get most of their work done online), and organizational redesign (national search currently underway for chief academic officer and one to be launched to hire a director of talent development and council directors).