TEACHERS' MESSAGES 2008
TEACHERS' MESSAGES 2008MAY 8, 2008 - Teachers' Biweekly Messages
The State Board of Education began formal discussion last week regarding the next generation of testing and accountability for the state's public schools. The current ABCs of Public Education model began in 1995 with 10 local school district pilots, but it is time for a review and revision based on current needs and capabilities. The document that is guiding the State Board's work in this area is available at http://www.ncpublicschools.org/sbe_meetings/revisions/2008/0805revisions.html. I encourage you to review this carefully and to provide your feedback if you would like to do so. The Board, which is receiving input via email at testingfeedback@dpi.state.nc.us for the next three weeks, is expected to take action on the framework at its June meeting. Certainly, North Carolina continues to need to meet federal requirements under No Child Left Behind, and school-level accountability continues to be important. But, many opportunities for improvement are being considered. I hope you'll join the conversation.
Regards,
June Atkinson
In this Biweekly Teachers' Message:
State Board Meeting Highlights
At last week's Board meeting, members approved a legislated one-time sign-on bonus for teachers paid on Step 0 of the salary schedule, and the adoption of the School Executive: Principal Evaluation Instrument. Members also discussed their draft "Framework for Change: The Next Generation of Assessments and Accountability," during the Issues Session, the Standard Course of Study for English Language Development K-12, alternative math courses for select non-Future-Ready Core students, and a report on the pilot of the new Teacher Evaluation instrument. Complete Board highlights will be available online tomorrow at http://www.ncpublicschools.org/sbe_highlights by clicking on the appropriate link.
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
Join the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) in celebrating physical activity and sports during National Physical Fitness and Sports Month! Educators can find May fitness calendars for elementary and secondary levels in English and Spanish, a parent letter, and much more to help celebrate this special month at the NASPE's Teacher Toolbox Web site (under Quick Links), http://iweb.aahperd.org/naspe/template.cfm?template=teacher_toolbox_may08.html. Educators also can access new activities for National Physical Education and Sport Week, May 1-7, by visiting the "Moving Is A Learning Experience!" Web site at http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/MayWeek/2008/template.cfm?template=main.htm. For more information, please contact Kymm Ballard, NCDPI Physical Education, Athletics, and Sports Medicine consultant, 919.807.3858, or by email, kballard@dpi.state.nc.us.
Elementary School Conference Call for Proposals
Call for Proposals are now being accepted for the Fifth Annual Elementary School Conference scheduled for Oct. 26-28 at the new Raleigh Convention Center. Conference information, including preconference focus sessions and online Call for Proposals, can be found at www.ncelementary.org. The deadline for proposals has been extended to May 23.
Mathematics Leadership Institute
For many years, the NCDPI has sponsored a Mathematics Department Chairs Retreat for mathematics leaders in grades 6-12. This year, the NCDPI is sponsoring a Mathematics Leadership Institute for mathematics leaders at all grade levels, K-12. The Institute will be held July 22-24 at the Radisson Hotel, High Point. Throughout the Institute, participants will look at curriculum, assessment, professional learning communities, graduation standards, instructional strategies and NCDPI services. There will be separate sessions for K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 leaders. There is a $250 registration fee that covers five meals, breaks, conference facilities, materials and presenters' fees. A block of rooms has been set-aside at state rates until June 21. The registration deadline is May 23. Information on the Institute may be downloaded at http://community.learnnc.org/dpi/math/archives/2008/03/mathematics_lea.php.
Summer 2008 Biotechnology Workshops
The North Carolina Biotechnology Center has announced its Summer 2008 Biotechnology Workshops for Educators. North Carolina educators receive a daily stipend, room and board, technology or regular CEUs, and access to the Biotechnology Center's free supplies and equipment loan programs. Workshops are designed for high school teachers, but middle school teachers may also attend. Topics to be covered are: "Using Biotechnology to Preserve Biodiversity" (June 23-27, Cherokee High School); "Genomics and Bioinformatics: Teaching with Model Organisms" (June 30-July 3, UNC-Chapel Hill); and "Let it Glow: Using GFP as a Basis for Understanding Protein Structure and Function" (July 8-11, Campbell University). Please go to www.ncbiotech.org/summerworkshops for additional information, including registration. Questions may be directed to Amy Black, North Carolina Biotechnology Center, at amy_black@ncbiotech.org or 919.541.9366
NC NCLB May 2008 Newsletter
The NC NCLB May 2008 Newsletter features a special insert, "Opening the Box of AYP," that offers a step-by-step explanation of how a school's Adequate Yearly Progress status is determined... This resource is designed to help school leaders guide their teams and parents through their school's AYP report. Other newsletter features include information on the agency's reorganization efforts, Title I updates from the US Department of Education, and news from the field regarding NCDPI's new Framework for Comprehensive Support for Districts and Schools. The newsletter is available online at www.ncpublicschools.org/nclb.
If you'd like to review past Teachers' Biweekly Messages sent to the listserv group, just go online to http://www.ncpublicschools.org/teachersarchive/.