10 To 15 PERCENT OF STUDENTS CHRONICALLY ABSENT, STUDY FINDS — A new report from the Everyone Graduates Center at Johns Hopkins University estimates that at least one in 10 students misses a month of school every year. The actual figure is an estimate because it is based only on data from the six states (GA, FL, MD, NE, OR, and RI) that actually track chronic absenteeism. The report found absenteeism occurs at all grade levels (more than 20 percent of kindergarteners in Oregon were chronically absent) and that students living at or near poverty were more likely to miss school. In poor rural areas, about 25 percent of students missed a month or more of school each year, while in high-poverty urban areas one-third of students were chronically absent. In tracking a cohort of 6th graders throughout their middle and high school years, the researchers found 20 percent of Florida students missed the equivalent of a full year of school. Because missing school is strongly linked to lower achievement, the authors said that finding ways to get more students to school would, “even without improvements in the American education system…, drive up achievement, high school graduation, and college attainment rates.” The report is available here.

More states have been taking actions recently to combat truancy. In Connecticut, state Education Commissioner Stephan Pryor said the department will present a recommendation for a statewide definition of what is an “excused” or “unexcused” absence to the state board at its next meeting. ”By establishing a standard definition … we will be able to better understand the problems in this area, and to provide interventions and support as needed,” Pryor said. Sources: The Importance of Being in School (5/16/12), Education Week (5/17/12), Connecticut Mirror (5/17/12)                               

NO ACTION TAKEN ON INTERVENTION TIMELINE FOR MISSOURI DISTRICTS — Missouri’s House Education Committee killed a Senate bill that would have let state education officials intervene in districts that lose accreditation more quickly than standing law allows. State law prevents the state board of education and education department from stepping in until a district has been without accreditation for two years. The Senate measure would have permitted immediate intervention, but the House committee’s chairman refused to hold a vote on the legislation unless the Senate approved a bill that would have eliminated seniority from being a factor in teacher layoffs. This did not occur before the legislature adjourned May 17. Two of the state’s largest districts, Kansas City and St. Louis, are both unaccredited and have been the focus of lawsuits and debate. A recent court decision held that a state law requiring unaccredited school districts pay transfer expenses for students who want to attend school in an accredited district is unconstitutional (Headline Review, May 4). Sources: Kansas City Star (5/18/12), STLBeacon (5/24/12), (Jefferson City) News Tribune (5/19/12) 

LOUISIANA BILL WOULD LET VOTERS SET SCHOOL BOARD TERM LIMITS — Gov. Bobby Jindal was sent a bill by lawmakers that would allow voters to determine whether local school board members should be limited to three consecutive terms. If signed, a proposition on this November’s ballot would give voters the opportunity to make the decision for their district. The term limits of no more than 12 consecutive years in office are already imposed on state lawmakers and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education members. The bill would be effective beginning Jan. 1, 2014. Source: Times-Picayune (5/22/12)

FEDERAL UPDATE
U.S. Department of Education Releases Guidelines for Race to the Top Competition for School Districts — The U.S. Department of Education unveiled the latest Race to the Top competition, with $417 million available to school districts. The Department will award an average of $25 million per award based on student enrollment in a winning district. Comments on the RFP will be accepted until June 8, and after reviewing the comments and making any necessary and appropriate changes, the Department will release the grant application later this summer. Go to http://www.ed.gov/race-top/district-competition for more information.

MARYLAND LAW REQUIRES SOCIAL STUDIES EXAM AS GRAD REQUIREMENT — Students in Maryland’s graduating class of 2017 (this fall’s 9th graders) will have to pass a test about government before they are allowed to get a diploma. A newly signed state law requires the exam, which the state board of education dropped last year because of budget constraints. The board voted to renew the mandate last month after lawmakers passed the bill. The law also calls on the state  board to develop middle school core subject exams, including one for social studies, in time for the 2014-15 school year. Further, the measure directs the state education department to survey how much class time is spent on science and social studies, courses that are not covered under federal education law and thus not subject to the same level of standardized testing and accompanying scrutiny. Source: Baltimore Sun (5/22/12)

ILLINOIS ANTI-BULLYING FALLS ONE VOTE SHORT IN SENATE — An Illinois bill that would have required school anti-bullying policies fell by a single vote in the state Senate after opponents contended it had a “pro-homosexual agenda.” The measure would have required schools to explain how they would investigate instances of bullying, the discipline in store for bullies, and included a provision for anonymous submission of bullying allegations and a policy statement that bullying is illegal. Some groups wanted an allowance that students or teachers could skip lessons or events, such as assemblies, that conflicted with their religious beliefs. There is still a chance that the legislature may pass the bill. Source: (Champaign) News-Gazette (5/22/12)

** ANNOUNCEMENTS **

MAKE PLANS FOR CHICAGO THIS OCTOBER! Join us Oct. 11-13 at NASBE’s Annual Conference on Evidence-Based Policymaking and Innovation as we ask “The Future is Now…What’s Next?” Among the highlights already scheduled are addresses by U.S. Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education Deborah Delisle and 2012 National Teacher of the Year Rebecca Mieliwocki.

 SCIENCE STANDARDS OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT — The draft Next Generation Science Standards will be available for public comment until June 1. The science standards are being developed by a consortium of 26 states, in collaboration with science teachers, scientists, and expert researchers in the field, with Achieve acting as the operating agent for the development of the standards. The Next Generation Science Standards are voluntary, state-led, and no federal funds or incentives have been used to develop, adopt, or implement the standards. To comment on the draft science standards visit http://www.nextgenscience.org/.

FIND OUT WHAT “GREEN CLEANING” CAN MEAN FOR SCHOOLS in the latest issue of NASBE’s award-winning journal, The State Education Standard. Read “Green Cleaning Schools” to learn just exactly what “green cleaning” means, how to recognize certified green products, examples of how states have implemented green cleaning policies, and more! Go to http://goo.gl/js1hU to purchase copies or examine downloadable articles. 

WANT TO KEEP UP WITH NASBE on your Android phone? No problem. Just go to http://t.co/WWyo1fPT or search NASBE in the Android marketplace to download our new and improved NASBE Now app!

FLORIDA LOWERS CUT SCORE FOR STATE WRITING TEST — Following a significant drop in the number of students who passed the state’s writing exam, the Florida State Board of Education lowered the passing score. Students had to score at least a 4 on the six-point scale, but after finding only 27 percent of 4th-grade students passed the test this year, down from 81 percent last year, education officials determined that teachers were not told that the tests would be graded more rigorously this year than in the past. Similar score disparities were also found in 8th and 10th grade results. That lack of communication, the board decided, warranted the change in cut score. The alteration in passing scores will allow 80 percent of 3rd graders, 77 percent of 8th graders, and 60 percent of 10th graders to pass. Sources: Tampa Bay Times (5/15/12), TCPalm.com (5/15/12) 

PENNSYLVANIA STATE BOARD ADVANCES PLAN TO REDUCE NUMBER OF HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAMS — The Pennsylvania State Board of Education voted 13-0 to reduce the number of high school exams required for graduation, changing a plan it passed in 2010 concerning its state assessments. The approved plan, which needs to go through the regulatory process and one more board vote before it becomes final, would require proficiency on five exams to graduate while making five additional exams voluntary. The previously approved plan called for students to take 10 tests and pass six of them. High school seniors are also able to demonstrate proficiency in alternative ways, including locally validated assessments or project-based assessments to be developed by the state education department. Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (5/11/12)

MICHIGAN EXPANDS CYBER CHARTERS, DUAL ENROLLMENT PROGRAM — With the signing of new laws, Michigan expanded the future number of online charter schools, as well as opportunities for students to earn postsecondary credit while still in high school. The number of cyber charters, which enable students to take all classes online, will be expanded from the currently permitted two to up to five by the end of 2013, 10 by the end of 2014, and 15 by the end of 2015. The law restricts enrollment to 2,500 during the first year and then incrementally increases it in subsequent years and limits the total percentage of the state’s student population to enroll into a cyber charter to 2 percent.

One dual-enrollment law expands to high school underclassmen and non-public school students the chance to take courses at community colleges. Another measure opens the door to these same cohorts of students to take postsecondary career and technical courses. Sources: Detroit Free Press (5/15/12), (Ionia) Sentinel-Standard (5/16/12)

ARIZONA GOVERNOR VETOES ONLINE EDUCATION BILL — Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed a bill that would have allowed increased access to online courses for high school juniors and seniors, established a list of approved courses for online programs, and established a process for evaluating these programs. The governor said she was concerned about the appropriateness of the state approving online courses and curricula. Additionally, online schools would have received more state funding per student for each student who mastered the course and the governor was unsure if the state education department would be able to effectively implement the provision. Brewer said she looks forward to future online learning proposals, as she supports movement toward a mastery-based education system. Source: Associated Press (5/14/12)

NEW ARIZONA LAW EXPANDS SCHOOL CHOICE — A recently signed Arizona law will expand the state’s school-choice program as of the 2013-2014 school year. The law expands the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, which provides state funding to parents of special needs students to pay for educational services, including private school tuition. The new law expands this effort to include students enrolled in schools that are underperforming with a state grade of D or F, students of active-duty parents, and foster children. In addition, any money not spent for education expenses in the immediate school year can be saved for college expenses. Researchers estimate student participation in the program will increase from roughly 125,000 students to 230,000 students, or about 20 percent of the state’s student population. Opponents of the expansion fear it will continue to drain already scarce funding for public schools. Source: Associated Press (5/15/12)

TENNESSEE GOV. SIGNS “GATEWAY SEXUAL ACTIVITY” LAW — Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam signed a controversial sex-education law that bars teachers from encouraging so-called “gateway” activities that fall short of intercourse. The measure also allows parents to sue contracted groups or individuals who do not obey this law. School personnel, however, are exempt from such litigation. Critics contend the law is so vague in its definition of what “gateway sexual activity” is, it could be a prior restraint on teachers from holding open discussions in sex education or health classes. Supporters said the law helps clarify the definition of abstinence. Source: Tennesseean (5/12/12)

SOUTH CAROLINA LAW EXPANDS CHARTER SCHOOLS — A new South Carolina law clears the way for single-gender charter schools statewide and also requires traditional K-12 schools to allow charter students to participate in extracurricular activities not offered at their schools. In addition, universities will now be allowed to operate their own charter schools. Statewide, South Carolina has 47 charter schools with 17,000 enrolled students, with the number of charters slated to increase in coming years. Source: Aiken Leader (5/16/12) 

ASTHMA MEDICATION TO BE AVAILABLE IN MISSOURI SCHOOLS — School nurses in Missouri would be able to keep asthma medication on hand under legislation awaiting Gov. Jay Nixon’s signature. School districts would be responsible for purchasing the medication and nurses responsible for its storage at schools. The bill passed the state’s House and Senate with only one opposing vote. Source: News Tribune (Jefferson City) (5/10/12)

MISSOURI CHARTER SCHOOLS COULD EXPAND BEYOND LARGE CITIES — Charter schools will be permitted in every Missouri school district if Gov. Jay Nixon signs a measure passed this week. Charter applicants would have to create systems for measuring performance before they could gain approval. Rules about who qualifies to be a sponsor will be dependent on a district’s accreditation status, and the state board will evaluate sponsors every three years. The state’s two biggest urban districts, Kansas City and St. Louis, have had charter schools for more than a decade. Source: News Tribune (Jefferson City) (5/15/12)

MULTIPLE EDUCATION BILLS AWAIT GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE IN COLORADO — The Colorado Legislature passed more than a dozen bills that, if signed by Gov. John Hickenlooper, would impact education, including an early child literacy bill, a ban on trans fat in school foods, and a reform of zero-tolerance discipline rules. The early childhood literacy program gives additional resources to support K-3 literacy instruction and requires additional parent involvement. The trans fat ban was controversial and ended up becoming weakened throughout the legislative process. It now contains exceptions for food programs that follow federal guidelines, smaller school districts, and fundraisers. The school discipline bill is intended to provide greater flexibility at the school level by eliminating many existing zero tolerance requirements, and encouraging schools to find alternative ways—aside from expulsion—to deal with discipline problems. Source: EdNewsColorado (5/9, 5/10/12)

 ** ANNOUNCEMENTS **

 ASSESSMENTS WEBINAR — Join NASBE and the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) for a webinar at 3 p.m. (ET) May 23 that examines the NWEA report, For Every Child, Multiple Measures: What Parents and Educators Want from K-12 Assessments. Discussion points include the conclusion that while year-end, high stakes tests provide a useful snapshot of overall student and school performance, educators prefer more timely formative assessments to track student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OFFERS RESPECT PROJECT DISCUSSION GUIDE — The U.S. Department of Education has made available an online discussion guide about its RESPECT Project to use in conversations among educators about the teaching profession. Public comment is also being accepted about the guide.

CONDITION OF EDUCATION WEBINAR — The National Center for Education Statistics will host a live webinar May 24 at 1 p.m. to release The Condition of Education 2012. The full text of the report will be available online on May 24 at 10 a.m. ET.

SCIENCE STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT — The draft Next Generation Science Standards will be available for public comment until June. The science standards are being developed by a consortium of 26 states, in collaboration with science teachers, scientists, and expert researchers in the field, with Achieve acting as the operating agent for the development of the standards. The Next Generation Science Standards are voluntary, state-led, and no federal funds or incentives have been used to develop, adopt, or implement the standards. To comment on the draft science standards visit http://www.nextgenscience.org/. 

SUPERINTENDENT AWARDS — Nominations are being accepted for the American School Health Superintendent Leadership Award until May 22. More information is available at http://bit.ly/K2x5nz.

FIND OUT WHAT “GREEN CLEANING” CAN MEAN FOR SCHOOLS in the latest issue of NASBE’s award-winning journal, The State Education Standard. Read “Green Cleaning Schools” to learn just exactly what “green cleaning” means, how to recognize certified green products, examples of how states have implemented green cleaning policies, and more! Go to http://goo.gl/js1hU to purchase copies or examine downloadable articles.

WANT TO KEEP UP WITH NASBE on your Android phone? No problem. Just go to http://bit.ly/pEmZla or search NASBE in the Android marketplace to download and get started with the NASBE Now app!

COLORADO BILL REQUIRING STATE BOARD COMMITMENT TO A TEST CONSORTIUM DIES IN SENATE — A bill that would have required the Colorado State Board of Education to commit to one of the Common Core standards assessment development consortia died in the state Senate. The Colorado Constitution requires bills to receive preliminary and final consideration on two separate days, meaning that for the bill to be voted on during the final day of this year’s session, May 9, it would have had to pass preliminary consideration by May 8, but other actions prevented that from happening. The state board previously opposed passage of the bill, with a majority preferring that the state develop its own test (see last week’s Headline Review). A Senate bill that would have repealed most zero-tolerance school discipline rules died for the same reason as the assessment bill. Source: EdNewsColorado (5/9/12) 

MINNESOTA GOV. VETOES TEACHER LAYOFF OVERHAUL — Gov. Mark Dayton rejected a bill that would have ended the current seniority-based system of teacher layoffs for those districts where local contracts don’t already include other considerations. The bill, scheduled to go into effect for the 2016-17 school year, would have put results from teachers’ most recent performance evaluation ahead of seniority. But Dayton argued that those evaluations in Minnesota have not yet been designed and tested, and thus the bill would have wiped out the current system, replacing it “with only vaguely formulated ideas….If teachers’ and principals’ careers are to be decided by those measures, it is imperative that they be accurate, verifiable, and reliable.” A spokesman for the organization StudentsFirst, which supported the bill, said that “[w]e shouldn’t be waiting around to embrace common-sense reforms to improve our schools.” Sources: Minneapolis Star Tribune (5/3/12); Gov. Mark Dayton veto letter (5/3/12)

IOWA’S ‘IMPORTANT FIRST STEP’  ED REFORM BILL PASSES LEGISLATURE — After long debates and many compromises, an education reform package finally reached Gov. Terry Branstad’s desk, who called it an “important first step” that left much “to be done to give all students a globally competitive education.” The measure would require annual performance evaluations for teachers, with two of every three years being evaluations conducted by peers, and gives teachers additional time for collaboration in order to improve their skills. A number of provisions focus on ensuring literacy among K-3 students, including one that requires schools to closely monitor young students’ reading proficiency and provide more help to those who are behind. Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, parents whose child has not demonstrated reading proficiency by the end of 3rd grade must either agree to enroll the student in an intensive summer reading course or have the child held back. The bill would also allow school districts to award high school students credits for demonstrating competency in a subject, rather than just successfully completing a course. There is little funding attached to the measure at this point, that being left to next year’s legislative session. Source: Des Moines Register (5/9/12)

CONNECTICUT LAWMAKERS APPROVE EDUCATION PACKAGE — The Connecticut Legislature finally passed an education reform bill after months of sometimes contentious negotiations among legislators, teachers’ unions, and Gov. Dannel Malloy. The bill would initiate a four-tier grading scale for schools based on standardized test scores, and the poorest-performing districts will be subject to state takeover, with the education commissioner appointing a special master to serve as superintendent. In addition, the commissioner would gradually select up to 25 low-achieving schools for inclusion in a special turnaround network. The bill calls for a measured approach to teacher evaluations by starting with 8 to 10 pilot districts where evaluations would be developed in consultation with teachers. Teachers would be able to earn tenure by receiving an “effective” rating and lose tenure by receiving an “ineffective” rating, but certification and pay are not linked to the evaluations. The measure also calls for an annual reading assessment for K-3 students (but does not require third graders who fail to reach proficiency to be held back), increases funding for charter schools, adds 1,000 new slots at state-run preschools, and funds an additional 20 school-based health clinics. In the end, the bill passed with broad bipartisan support and a general feeling that while the legislation is a positive step, “there is more to be done,” as one lawmaker said. Sources: Connecticut Mirror (5/8/12) and Connecticut Post (5/10/12)

HAWAII REPORTS IT WILL RETAIN ITS  RTTT AWARD — Although Hawaii is still in the “high risk” category for failure to implement reforms designated on its winning Race to the Top (RTTT) application, the U.S. Education Department recognized progress made there and allowed the state to retain its federal grant monies. Hawaii, which has about $71 million remaining from its original $75 million award, has been in jeopardy of having to return the funds because of a lack of progress in implementing a teacher evaluation system, among other delays. The state teachers’ union rejected a contract—endorsed by the union’s officers—that would have linked evaluations to student performance, and a bill that would have established such a system failed in the legislature. The Hawaii State Board of Education last month approved the evaluation plan, but because it is not law, the terms are still open for collective bargaining. Union leaders are now calling for a re-vote. However, the state did meet budget qualifications for retaining its monies. Department officials said they will review Hawaii’s progress later this year. Sources: Hawaii Department of Education press release (5/10/12), Associated Press (5/4/12), Education Week (5/4/12)

LOUISIANA BOARD TO CREATE PRE-K OVERSIGHT NETWORK — A law signed last month directs the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to create a comprehensive and integrated network to oversee all state and federally funded programs providing early childhood care or education. The law signed by Gov. Bobby Jindal April 18 is designed to coordinate standards and definitions across full- and part-time early childhood health and education state/federal programs, as well as Head Start. As part of the measure, BESE must define kindergarten readiness, set performance targets for children ages 0-2 years, and academic standards for 3- and 4-year-olds based on kindergarten readiness and aligned to the Common Core standards. In addition, the law calls for a clear and uniform assessment and accountability system for publicly funded programs. Sources: Gov. Jindal press release (4/18/12), S.B. 581

** ANNOUNCEMENTS **

SCIENCE STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT — The draft Next Generation Science Standards will be available for public comment starting May 11 and will be open for three weeks. The science standards are being developed by a consortium of 26 states, in collaboration with science teachers, scientists, and expert researchers in the field, with Achieve acting as the operating agent for the development of the standards. The Next Generation Science Standards are voluntary, state-led, and no federal funds or incentives have been used to develop, adopt, or implement the standards. To comment on the draft science standards visit http://www.nextgenscience.org/.

SUPERINTENDENT AWARDS — Nominations are being accepted for the American School Health Superintendent Leadership Award until May 22. More information is available at http://bit.ly/K2x5nz.

FIND OUT WHAT “GREEN CLEANING” CAN MEAN FOR SCHOOLS in the latest issue of NASBE’s award-winning journal, The State Education Standard. Read “Green Cleaning Schools” to learn just exactly what “green cleaning” means, how to recognize certified green products, examples of how states have implemented green cleaning policies, and more! Go to http://goo.gl/js1hU to purchase copies or examine downloadable articles.

WANT TO KEEP UP WITH NASBE on your Android phone? No problem. Just go to http://bit.ly/pEmZla or search NASBE in the Android marketplace to download and get started with the NASBE Now app!

MARYLAND STATE BOARD OVERTURNS DISTRICT’S ZERO-TOLERANCE-BASED DECISION TO SUSPEND STUDENTS — The Maryland State Board of Education reversed the suspensions of two high school lacrosse players disciplined a year ago for carrying pocket knives and a lighter to repair their equipment. In addition to reversing the suspensions by the Talbot County board, the state board also ordered the students’ discipline records expunged. The items were packed as part of the students’ playing gear when their team bus was searched for alcohol by school administrators. As part of the district’s zero-tolerance discipline policy, the boy with the knives was arrested and his teammate with the lighter was suspended after officials deemed the lighter “an explosive device.”  According to the state board, “this case is about context and about the appropriate exercise of discretion.” The board is expected to vote on a new state policy this summer that would reduce the number of out-of-school suspensions and address racial disparities. If passed, it will provide advanced guidance for districts on how to handle student misconduct. Source:  Washington Post (4/28/12) 

DELAWARE GOVERNOR NOMINATES ED. REFORMER AS NEXT EDUCATION SECRETARY — Gov. Jack Markell nominated Mark Murphy, the director of Vision Network, an education reform organization that works with 26 Delaware schools, as the state’s next education secretary. The appointment must be approved by the state Senate. Murphy, who also has experience as a principal, teacher, and assistant principal in Maryland schools, would replace Lillian Lowery, recently hired to be Maryland’s next superintendent. Source: DelawareOnline.com (4/27/12)

U.S. Department of Education Provides $24.4 million to Improve Instruction for English Language Learners — The U.S. Department of Education awarded colleges and universities more than $24 million in grants to improve instruction for English language learners. The Department is providing the five-year grants, with one exception, to higher education institutions that must work in this subject area with one or more local school districts or state education agencies. The grants will support professional development activities for teachers and other education personnel who work in elementary and secondary school classrooms with English learners, particularly in the fields of math and science. More information can be found at http://1.usa.gov/IGYsWr. Source: U.S. Department of Education (5/2/12)

ALABAMA GOV. GETS BILL TO LOWER MANDATORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AGE — Alabama legislators sent a bill to Gov. Robert Bentley that would lower the age for compulsory school attendance from 7 to 6. While opponents said the measure interferes with parental choice, the bill includes an amendment that would allow parents to write their local school board to ask for an exemption. The state has fully funded 1st grade since 1835 and kindergarten since 1985, but attendance is not required by state law. An amendment to lower mandatory attendance to 5 years of age was rejected by the state House, 49-30. Source: Montgomery Advertiser (5/2/12)

UNACCREDITED MISSOURI DISTRICTS NOT ACCOUNTABLE FOR COSTS OF TRANSFERRING STUDENTS, JUDGE RULES — A St. Louis County Circuit Court judge said Missouri’s mandate that unaccredited school districts pay transfer expenses for students who want to attend school in an accredited district is unconstitutional. Judge David Lee Vincent III said the payment requirement is an unfunded mandate and that students do not have the right to transfer to nearby accredited districts for free. The state’s school transfer law requires unaccredited districts to pay transportation and tuition costs for students wishing to transfer to accredited districts, which has already been upheld by the state Supreme Court. This judgment, however, focused on the ability of the unaccredited districts to comply with the law. Vincent ruled the law is in violation of the Hancock Amendment of the state constitution, which prevents the creation of unfunded mandates. Families with students in the unaccredited St. Louis district brought the case to court five years ago to seek reimbursement for their tuition bills to the nearby Clayton district. In 2008, Vincent ruled for the defense, but his ruling was overturned by the state Supreme Court, which sent the case back to him in 2010. The state attorney general’s office plans to appeal to the state Supreme Court. Source: News Tribune (Jefferson City) (5/1/12), stltoday.com (5/1/12)

TEXAS CHIEF STEPPING DOWN AFTER FIVE YEARS IN CHARGE — Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott announced he is resigning his post as of July 2, five years to the day from his appointment by Gov. Rick Perry. Scott, who has held multiple positions in the Texas Education Agency since 1994, did not give a reason for stepping down. Source: Texas Education Agency press release (5/1/12)

** ANNOUNCEMENTS **

MATERIALS FROM NASBE’S MONTHLY MAILING—including a teacher induction discussion guide and a state-by-state education governance chart—are now available online at http://nasbe.org/monthly-mailing/april-2012/.

THE NATION’S REPORT CARD FOR SCIENCE will be released Thursday, May 10 at 10 a.m. Follow this link to register for the live webinar.

FIND OUT WHAT “GREEN CLEANING” CAN MEAN FOR SCHOOLS in the latest issue of NASBE’s award-winning journal, The State Education Standard. Read “Green Cleaning Schools” to learn just exactly what “green cleaning” means, how to recognize certified green products, examples of how states have implemented green cleaning policies, and more! Go to http://goo.gl/js1hU to purchase copies or examine downloadable articles. 

WANT TO KEEP UP WITH NASBE on your Android phone? No problem. Just go to http://bit.ly/pEmZla or search NASBE in the Android marketplace to download and get started with the NASBE Now app!

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ILLINOIS MOVES TO DISBAND TWO LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS — The Illinois State Board of Education is moving to dissolve two local school boards in historically low-performing districts. East St. Louis School District 189 and North Chicago School District 187 are both slated to have their boards removed due to poor academic performance and corrupt leadership. The East St. Louis district has not made adequate yearly progress in nine years—or for almost as long as that has been a federal requirement—and has a $12.5 million budget deficit. In North Chicago, the federal government charged the local district board’s ex-president with taking more than $800,000 in bribes from bus companies. She is currently serving time in a federal prison for a multi-state Internet fraud conviction. Under Illinois law, the State Board of Education or state superintendent can remove a local board if the district does not make sufficient yearly progress for seven consecutive years. Upon the removal of the boards, the state will appoint a new panel to take over all school matters until academic benchmarks are met. The current local boards may appeal the respective takeover decisions to the State Board of Education. Sources: Belleville News-Democrat (4/21/12), Quincy Journal (4/25/12)                                                                                                             

MARYLAND STATE BOARD HIRES NEW SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS — The Maryland State Board of Education’s search for a new chief state school officer ultimately did not lead them farther than Delaware. The board chose Delaware Education Secretary Dr. Lillian Lowery as its new superintendent as of July 1. In Delaware, Lowery was credited with overseeing and facilitating Delaware’s winning Race to the Top grant application. The Maryland office is now filled by an interim chief, who was named when longtime Superintendent Nancy Grasmick retired last June. Source: Washington Post (4/20/12)

MARYLAND STATE BOARD RULES ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY DID NOT MEET FUNDING REQUIREMENT — The Maryland State Board of Education supported the November decision by Interim Superintendent Bernard Sadusky that Anne Arundel County failed to meet its education funding mandate by $12 million. In Maryland, counties must meet the requirements set by the state maintenance-of-effort law, but Anne Arundel County fell short of meeting its target when it shifted those funds to debt service. A state attorney general’s opinion held that debt service cannot be included in the maintenance-of-effort calculations unless the same figures had been used in the preceding year. Source: Baltimore Sun (4/25/12) 

RHODE ISLAND TAKES OVER FINANCES OF CENTRAL FALLS SCHOOL SYSTEM — The finances of the troubled Central Falls School District–which made national news two years ago when state Education Commissioner Deborah Gist fired all of its teachers–are being taken over by the state. The Rhode Island Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education and Gist assumed control of the district’s daily budget and negotiations with the teachers’ union. These duties were run by the city receiver’s office, but a bankruptcy judge recently decided that the schools were not legally a part of the city, leading Gov. Lincoln Chafee to ask Gist to get more involved. The school district’s superintendent and board of trustees will continue to oversee educational matters, and Receiver Robert G. Flanders Jr. will continue his work. Source: Providence Journal (4/19/12)

MISSISSIPPI GOVERNOR APPROVES STATE TAKEOVER OF ABERDEEN DISTRICT — After months of investigation and hours after a recommendation by the Mississippi State Board of Education to take over the Aberdeen School District, Gov. Phil Bryant approved the action. Aberdeen recorded persistently poor student achievement, violated accreditation standards and state and federal laws, ultimately meeting just met six of the 37 state accreditation standards. Aberdeen also owes the federal government $215,000 for failure to follow special education mandates, and must repay the state more than $50,000 because the district did not actually record time worked by some employees. On top of all that, officials gave diplomas to a number of students without providing appropriate documentation that they met graduation requirements. One of the first priorities of the state will be to ensure all seniors document requirements in preparation for graduation. As part of the takeover, Bryant fired the local school board and demoted the interim superintendent to his former position of operations manager. Additionally, the state board hired a veteran conservator to oversee the district. Aberdeen becomes Mississippi’s eighth state-controlled district. Source: Associated Press (4/21/12)

TEXAS BOARD APPROVES NEW MATH AND TEXTBOOK STANDARDS — The Texas State Board of Education adopted an array of changes to its K-12 math standards, with members making one of their goals the development of strong standards independent of the Common Core standards movement. The new standards eliminate most descriptions that include the phrase “such as,” stress problem-solving skills, and add a requirement that elementary school students acquire a level of math fluency before they are permitted to use calculators. The rules for grades K-8 take effect before the 2014-15 school year, and high school standards must be implemented by the following year. The changes were postponed to make sure there will be money budgeted to buy textbooks that reflect the standards. Sources: Texas Tribune (4/20/12), KXXV.com (4/20/12)

ARKANSAS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CUTS LOCAL DISTRICT’S CONTRACTS IN SAVINGS MOVE — The Arkansas Department of Education told administrators in the state’s third-largest district to immediately cut $11 million from its budget and tear up its union contracts. The Pulaski County Special School District, already in financial trouble, faces a projected $33 million deficit by the 2016-17 school year. The state took over the district in 2011 and fired the local superintendent and dissolved its school board, assigning control to a state-appointed administrator. State Education Commissioner Tom Kimbrell said the moves had to be made to help repair the district’s finances and put it on a path to restored local control. Source: Associated Press (4/20/12)

FEDERAL UPDATE

U.S. Department of Education Schedules Virtual Rural Education Summit — The U.S. Department of Education scheduled a National Rural Education Technology Summit for Monday, April 30. The plan is for participants to discuss the use of technology to overcome distance, bring resources to rural schools, and engage students, teachers, and administrators. The virtual, interactive event will include science, technology, engineering, and math sessions, professional development opportunities, and comments from Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Federal Communications Commission Chair Julius Genachowski, and Smithsonian Institution Secretary G. Wayne Clough. For more information and to register, go to http://www.ruraleducationtechsummit.org/. Source: U.S. Department of Education (4/16/12)

FEDERAL UPDATE

U.S. Department of Education Releases Blueprint to Reauthorize Career and Technical Education Programs — The U.S. Department of Education released its blueprint to reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, which funds various career and technical education (CTE) programs. The law is due to be reauthorized in 2013. The blueprint offered four core principles for improving the law and its programs: effective alignment between CTE programs and the labor market; strong collaboration among secondary/postsecondary institutions, businesses, and industry partners to improve the quality of CTE programs; meaningful accountability for improving academic outcomes and building 21st century skills; and increased emphasis on innovation supported by systemic reform of state policies and practices. A summary of the blueprint can be access by following this link. Source: U.S. Department of Education press release (4/20/12)

WISCONSIN RULE CHANGE WOULD REDUCE TEACHER SALARY INCREASES — An administrative rule change made by Gov. Scott Walker would reduce the inflation-based raises unions negotiate for teachers. The new rule would use teachers’ “base salary” rather than their actual salary (which is calculated using the base salary plus merit increases gained by having advanced degrees or other factors). For example, a teacher with a master’s degree might have an actual salary of $45,000, but a base salary of only $35,000. Using the base salary for a 3.2 percent cost-of-living increase would net the teacher $300 less than if the actual salary was used for the calculation. The rule change is still subject to legislative review, and the Wisconsin Association of School Boards told its members that court challenges are likely. Source: Madison Capital Times (4/23/12)

** ANNOUNCEMENTS **

CONGRATULATIONS to Ken Edmonds on his election as president of the Idaho State Board of Education and Don Soltman as vice president.

NAEP WILL HOST ONLINE TOWN HALL meetings May 2 and 3 to discuss an expert report on the collection and use of background questions. Following a presentation, attendees may participate in an open-ended discussion. Go to http://www.nagb.org/town-hall-meeting/ for more information.

FIND OUT WHAT “GREEN CLEANING” CAN MEAN FOR SCHOOLS in the latest issue of NASBE’s award-winning journal, The State Education Standard. Read “Green Cleaning Schools” to learn just exactly what “green cleaning” means, how to recognize certified green products, examples of how states have implemented green cleaning policies, and more! Go to http://goo.gl/js1hU to purchase copies or examine downloadable articles.

WANT TO KEEP UP WITH NASBE on your Android phone? No problem. Just go to http://bit.ly/pEmZla or search NASBE in the Android marketplace to download and get started with the NASBE Now app!

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HAWAII STATE BOARD APPROVES TEACHER EVALUATION PLAN — Days after a teacher evaluation law died in the Hawaii Legislature, the state board of education approved a new set of educator evaluations set to take effect statewide in the 2013-14 school year. The policies set by the board include provisions for professional development and pay related to student performance. The evaluations are also subject to due process clauses collectively bargained with teachers’ and principals’ unions. Hawaii has been under the gun to adopt new evaluation standards so it can meet the terms of its federal Race to the Top grant application, as the teachers’ union has been working under an imposed rather than agreed-upon contract since last summer. Failure to keep its promises means the state could forfeit most of the $75 million it was awarded last year. Sources: Hawaii NewsNow (4/17/12), Associated Press (4/16/12)  

NASBE AWARDS GRANTS TO HELP STATES DEVELOP SCHOOL NUTRITION POLICIES — The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) awarded grants to seven state boards of education to develop and implement policies to improve school nutrition. Connecticut, Ohio, and West Virginia will each receive $15,000 over three-years, while Arkansas, Kentucky, Michigan, and North Carolina will each receive $6,000, two-year awards to continue work in this area. Follow this link for more about the awards.

ALABAMA EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TAKES OVER BIRMINGHAM SCHOOL BOARD — Shortly after the Alabama State Board of Education approved an investigation into governance of the Birmingham school system, the Alabama Education Department effectively took over the Birmingham district. State Superintendent Tommy Bice ordered the city school board not to do any non-routine business without his permission until after the investigation is complete. The Birmingham board members have been at odds with the district chief and with each other, so Bice’s order means the panel cannot fire its superintendent. After recent meetings, some local board members asked for the state to get involved, and some members even alleged violations of the state’s open public meetings law. The state board resolution approving the investigation said the tumult has led to “a pattern of decision making, action and inaction that has impeded or prevented implementation of plans, initiatives and programs” to meet the district’s obligations. Source: Birmingham News (4/13/12)

MISSOURI BOARD REVOKES CHARTER OF SOME ST. LOUIS SCHOOLS — The Missouri State Board of Education revoked the charters of all Imagine charter schools in St. Louis, which will close at the end of the school year. The schools have a collective history of low performance, and in March their sponsor, Missouri Baptist University, gave up its authority over the schools. More than 3,800 students attend the Imagine schools, several of which were already set to be closed because of poor performance. “It is clear that the state board of education takes seriously its most constitutional and moral responsibilities for the quality of education that children receive in Missouri public schools,” said board member Mike Jones. Source: stltoday.com (4/17/12)

COLORADO BOARD CREATES RULES FOR TEACHER EVALUATION APPEALS PROCESS — The Colorado State Board of Education adopted a set of rules to govern appeals by teachers who receive two consecutive low performance ratings. Appeals can only be based on an evaluator incorrectly following the requirements of the rating system, or incorrect data being used in the process. The local superintendent or designated administrator makes a final decision in the appeals process. Pending reviews by the state attorney general and the legislature, the rules would become effective in the 2015-16 school year. Sources: EdNewsColorado (4/11/12), Colorado Department of Education press release (4/12/12)

FEDERAL UPDATE:  GAO Report Finds Districts Face Difficulties Meeting SIG Requirements — A new Government Accounting Office (GAO) report concluded that states and local school districts faced challenges sustaining reform efforts due to lack of capacity and lack of extensive planning and coordination among various stakeholders. The study, School Improvement Grants: Education Should Take Additional Steps to Enhance Accountability for Schools and Contractors, GAO-12-373, also discovered that several states had little evidence about school performance under the SIG program when making decisions to renew grants at the local level. Additionally, school districts used most of their funding to secure contractors for various services, and contractor evaluations were inconsistent and not timed with grant renewal discussions. The report recommends the U.S. Department of Education provide additional support to states in making evidenced-based grant renewal decisions, as well as ensuring contractors’ performance at the local level are reviewed. Source: Government Accounting Office (4/11/12)

ARIZONA BOARD TO DEVELOP CURRICULUM FOR NEW ELECTIVE COURSE ON THE BIBLE — A new law makes Arizona one of six states that allow public high schools to offer an elective class on the role the Bible plays in Western culture. The measure requires the state board of education to develop a curriculum for the course. However, opponents of the bill argue that a focus on Christianity could make the law unconstitutional. Sources: Tucson Citizen (4/17/12), Associated Press (4/17/12)

VIRGINIA REVISITS PHYS. ED. GUIDELINES BILL; GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE EXPECTED — Less than a month after Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell vetoed a bill that called for the state board of education to develop physical education regulations for districts, an amended version of that bill could become law as soon as next week. The amended legislation would require the state board to develop non-mandatory physical education guidelines for elementary and middle schools. McDonnell vetoed the prior measure on the grounds that it created unfunded mandates by requiring K-8 students get 150 minutes of physical education every week. Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch (4/15/12)

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE BOARD EXPANDS TEACH FOR AMERICA PARTICIPATION — The South Carolina State Board of Education agreed by a 7-6 vote to expand the state’s partnership with Teach for America (TFA) to place more teachers in underprivileged schools. The state’s original plan to recruit a set number of teachers was not enough to meet the staffing needs of every district, so the board will designate regions and districts where TFA recruits can serve across the state beginning this year. Opponents fear broadening the program will lessen teaching opportunities for South Carolina teacher prep graduates. Source: Augusta Chronicle (4/13/12)

** ANNOUNCEMENTS **

LEADERSHIP FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITIES, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation program, will host a webinar, “Linking Policies to Improve Public Safety with Preventing Childhood Obesity,” April 26 at 2 p.m. The event coincides with the release of its new report, Making the Connection: Linking Policies to Improve Public Safety with Preventing Childhood Obesity. For more information or to register, go to http://bit.ly/Iqt76f.

THE 10TH ANNUAL HEALTHY SCHOOLS DAY, focused on the promotion of healthy and green indoor learning environments in schools, is coming up April 24. To find out more about the day or to plan and register an event as part of the occasion, go to http://www.nationalhealthyschoolsday.org/.

FIND OUT WHAT “GREEN CLEANING” CAN MEAN FOR SCHOOLS in the latest issue of NASBE’s award-winning journal, The State Education Standard. Read “Green Cleaning Schools” to learn just exactly what “green cleaning” means, how to recognize certified green products, examples of how states have implemented green cleaning policies, and more! Go to http://goo.gl/js1hU to purchase copies or examine downloadable articles.

NAEP WEBINAR TO ADDRESS COMMON CORE — The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) will host a webinar at 4 p.m. April 25 on how districts can use NAEP data to help the transition to meeting the Common Core standards. The event will feature leaders from seven urban districts who are putting the NAEP data to use. For more, go to http://www.nagb.gov/commoncore-tuda/webinar/.

WANT TO KEEP UP WITH NASBE on your Android phone? No problem. Just go to http://bit.ly/pEmZla or search NASBE in the Android marketplace to download and get started with the NASBE Now app!

OHIO STATE BOARD CALLS FOR BIPARTISAN AND COLLABORATIVE ACTION ON CLEVELAND TURNAROUND PLAN — The Ohio State Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution urging collaboration and bi-partisanship in order to find a solution to the Cleveland school district’s academic and financial problems. The state board did not endorse a plan put forward by Cleveland’s mayor to fire low-rated teachers, fund charter schools with local tax monies, and change the length of the school day or year, among other ideas. Instead, the board called for “a collaborative, bi-partisan process that involves all relevant stakeholders to create a framework to help produce dramatic improvement” in the district. Source: Columbus-Dispatch (4/11/12); Ohio State Board of Education Resolution (4/10/12)

OKLAHOMA STATE BOARD CHOOSES SIX SCHOOLS FOR INTERVENTION — The Oklahoma State Board of Education named six low-performing schools for direct intervention and support from the state Education Department. Schools in the College, Career, and Citizen ready (C3) program get help to improve academic performance and instructional methods. The schools are chosen by the board from a list of so-called “Priority Schools,” which are the lowest performing 5 percent of schools in the state. In addition to the six schools, the board tabled a decision to include a charter school in the C3 schools pending further review of a revised application from the charter school. Source: Oklahoma Department of Education website (4/9/12), Oklahoman (4/10/12)

STATE SPENDING ON PRE-K DROPS TO 2001-02 LEVELS — The annual State of Preschool yearbook by the National Institute of Early Education research (NIEER) found that state spending on pre-k programs is equal to the expenditures for the 2001-02 school year when adjusted for inflation. While states expanded pre-k programs in the last decade, NIEER found that spending to maintain program quality did not keep pace. Rather, per-pupil spending has decreased by $715 per student (adjusted) from 2001-11, including by $145 for the 2010-11 school year alone (to a national average of $4,151 per child), when spending nationally decreased by a total of $60 million. Sources: NIEER press release (4/10/12), Governing.com (4/10/12)

ARIZONA GOVERNOR VETOES EXPANSION OF VOUCHER PROGRAM — Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed an expansion of the state’s voucher program for special needs students. The vetoed bill would have expanded this program beyond special needs students to students who attend schools with a D or F grade by the state, gifted students, and children of parents who serve in the armed forces. The standing law permits parents to apply 90 percent of a student’s state funding for the year in the form of a scholarship that can pay for a variety of educational services including homeschooling and private schools. However, the student must withdraw from public schooling. The governor noted after the veto that “we must ensure that government is not artificially (manipulating) the market through state budget or tax policy in a manner that would…undermine rational choice in a competitive market.” Sources: East Valley Tribune (4/6/12), Capitol Media Services (4/4/12)

DELAWARE ALLOWS SCHOOLS TO HIRE TEACHERS BASED ON PROJECTED ENROLLMENT — Delaware Gov. Jack Markell signed an extension of a state law allowing schools to hire teachers in April for the next school year based on projected enrollment instead of in September when more concrete enrollment numbers are available. The intent of the measure is to hire educators as soon possible to integrate them into the school systems and individual classrooms. Source: (Wilmington) News-Journal (4/9/12)

LOUISIANA PASSES EDUCATION REFORM PACKAGE THAT INCLUDES VOUCHERS AND ALTERNATE PATHWAYS FOR CHARTER SCHOOL APPROVALS — The Louisiana Legislature passed a package of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s education reform plans, which includes merit pay and voucher bills. The pair of bills would link educator compensation and school superintendent job security to student performance, provide superintendents the authority to hire and fire education personnel, establish alternative pathways for the approval of charter schools, and establish a statewide publicly funded private school voucher program for low-income students. If signed, which is probable, the measures would go into effect for the 2012-13 school year, and the new teacher evaluation system that will determine tenure would be implemented during the 2013-14 school year. The state’s teacher unions already signaled their intent to intend to challenge in court the constitutionality of the private school voucher proposal.
Under the legislation, the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education would have to develop and adopt new regulations for the new charter school approval process with State Superintendent John White. Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune (4/5/12)

TENNESSEE LAW ENCOURAGES QUESTIONING OF EVOLUTION & CLIMATE CHANGE IN SCIENCE CLASSES — A Tennessee measure that protects teachers who teach creationism and  encourages the questioning in science classes of scientific theories such as evolution and climate change became law without the signature of Gov. Bill Haslam. The law, which was widely opposed by scientists and other groups as a means to introduce creationism into science classes, enjoyed great bipartisan support in the legislature. The lack of a signature was a symbolic representation of the governor’s opposition for the bill but recognition that a veto would not stand. “…good legislation should bring clarity and not confusion. My concern is that this bill has not met this objective,” he said. Source: Tennessean (4/11/12)

VIRGINIA LAW ADDS ONLINE & CTE COURSES TO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS — A new Virginia law will require high school students to take at least one online course to graduate starting with the 2013-14 freshman class. The state already offers online classes through the Department of Education’s “Virtual Virginia” website. In addition to the online learning credits for standards and advanced diplomas, candidates for a standard diploma will also have to earn an industry certification or state license in career and technical education. Source: Washington Post (4/6/2012)

VIRGINIA GOVERNOR VETOES PHYSICAL EDUCATION BILL FOR SECOND TIME — Calling it an unfunded mandate, Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell vetoed a bill calling for physical education guidelines in public schools. This is the second year in a row the Governor rejected a physical education standards bill. Source: Washington Post (4/10/12)

VERMONT LAUNCHES FINANCIAL LITERACY PILOT PROGRAM — A coalition of state agencies and private foundations and corporations launched a program through Champlain College to determine the efficacy of high school financial literacy instruction. The pilot program is designed to examine the economic behavior of high school students who receive financial literacy instruction from highly trained educators and compare those students to classmates who do not get similar instruction. Source: Champlain College press release (4/4/12)

CALIFORNIA SUES ORANGE COUNTY OVER EDUCATION FUNDS — The state of California is suing Orange County to keep county officials from using education funds to pay for things unrelated to education. In a plan to balance their budget, county officials said they were going to transfer property tax monies, which fund K-12 public schools and community colleges, to other purposes – a move the state contends is unconstitutional. The chancellor of California’s community college has also joined the state in the suit. Source: Los Angeles Times (4/5/2012)

FEDERAL UPDATE 

U.S. Department Of Education Invites Five States To Apply For Next Round Of Early Learning Challenge Grants — The U.S. Department of Education announced it will give  $133 million to five states for the next round of Early Learning Challenge grants under the Race to the Top Program. The Department invited Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, Oregon, and Wisconsin to apply for the next round based on the strength of their applications from the first round when they were among 30 other states and jurisdictions to apply. States, pursuant to their grants, are required to increase access to high-quality early education programs to low-income students and implement early learning standards, among other things. The Department will release a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register later in the spring with grant approvals expected later this year. Source: U.S. Department of Education press release (4/9/12)

** ANNOUNCEMENTS ** 

THE 10TH ANNUAL HEALTHY SCHOOLS DAY, focused on the promotion of healthy and green indoor learning environments in schools, is coming up April 24. To find out more about the day or to plan and register an event as part of the occasion, go to http://www.nationalhealthyschoolsday.org/.

THIS YEAR’S READ FOR THE RECORD book is Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad. The annual reading challenge will also be a week long for the first time to give more people the chance to participate in the literacy promotion activity. For more information, go to www.wegivebooks.org.

FIND OUT WHAT “GREEN CLEANING” CAN MEAN FOR SCHOOLS in the latest issue of NASBE’s award-winning journal, The State Education Standard. Read “Green Cleaning Schools” to learn just exactly what “green cleaning” means, how to recognize certified green products, examples of how states have implemented green cleaning policies, and more! Go to http://goo.gl/js1hU to purchase copies or examine downloadable articles.

WANT TO KEEP UP WITH NASBE on your Android phone? No problem. Just go to http://bit.ly/pEmZla or search NASBE in the Android marketplace to download and get started with the NASBE Now app!

OKLAHOMA STATE BOARD APPROVES SCHOOL GRADING SYSTEM — The Oklahoma State Board of Education adopted a set of rules for giving the state, districts, and schools letter grades on an A-to-F scale for educational performance. Scores will be set based on student test scores and improvement, school averages and improvement, and whether schools or districts offer advanced, college-prep classes. The rules, which allow for a 30-day review period for schools that contest their rating but no direct appeals procedures, will go into effect for the 2012-13 school year. Source: Associated Press (3/29/12)

WISCONSIN TARGETS READING, EDUCATOR EVALUATIONS IN NEW LAW — Gov. Scott Walker, joined by Wisconsin State Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Evers, signed legislation that aims to boost reading levels across the state and establishes a statewide system for evaluating teachers and principals in public schools. The law requires kindergarteners to be screened to identify those who are behind in developing early literacy skills and beginning in 2014 will require prospective elementary and special education teachers to pass an assessment in reading instruction. The measure also creates a public-private partnership—the Read to Lead Development Council—that will support and work to scale-up successful reading programs. The evaluation component requires principals and teachers to be assessed using a rubric based 50 percent on student performance and 50 percent on practice. The law also shines a light on teacher preparation and alternative certification programs by requiring them to report the number of candidates who pass certification exams on the first try. Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (4/2/12)

PENNSYLVANIA GIVES 200 DISTRICTS RIGHT TO RAISE TAXES WITHOUT PUBLIC VOTE — The Pennsylvania education department granted authority to about 200 local school districts statewide to raise taxes without public referenda. Exemptions from putting tax increases to a vote were restricted this time so districts could raise funds to pay obligations from school construction, pay for special education, or cover pension costs. In previous years, districts were able to apply for waivers for 10 reasons. Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (4/3/12)

BILL AGAINST ‘INDECENT ATTIRE’ IN TENNESSEE SCHOOLS SENT TO GOVERNOR — A Tennessee measure that would prevent students from wearing clothes that “indecently” reveal underwear or body parts awaits Gov. Bill Haslam’s signature. If it becomes law, the bill would allow school districts to set their own penalties for offences. Even before it becomes law, the legislation’s author has already said he wants to rewrite the proposal to make the penalties against students who wear, for example, pants below the waist or sports bras as tops, more severe. If Haslam signs, Tennessee would join Arkansas and Florida as the only states that ban such attire in schools. Source: Chattanooga Times Free Press (4/2/12)

MISSOURI SENATE  PUTS ASIDE MOVE TO END TEACHER TENURE — A move to end teacher tenure in Missouri was sidetracked when the state Senate instead approved a plan to create a task force to examine the relationship between teachers’ pay and their effectiveness. The bill, which now goes to the House, calls for the task force to report out by the end of this year. Source: stltoday.com (4/3/12)

ARKANSAS HIGH COURT SAYS TEACHER/ADULT STUDENT RELATIONSHIPS ARE LEGAL — The Arkansas State Supreme Court overturned a law prohibiting consensual sex between teachers and students younger than 21, and the state Education Department is looking at how the decision affects its personnel policies. Ruling on a case in which a high school teacher was convicted of second-degree sexual assault for having sex with an 18-year-old female student, the court overturned the law and the conviction on a 4-3 vote. The majority opinion held that while the teacher’s actions were “reprehensible,” it also stated that the law infringed on the privacy of consenting adults. The decision left department officials trying to understand how to proceed, because its ethics code bars sexual contact between teachers and students younger than 21 and allows school boards to fire offending teachers. Sources: Arkansas Online (3/29/12), Arkansas News (4/1/12)

** ANNOUNCEMENTS **

THIS YEAR’S READ FOR THE RECORD book is Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad. The annual reading challenge will also be a week long for the first time to give more people the chance to participate in the literacy promotion activity. For more information, go to www.wegivebooks.org.

FIND OUT WHAT “GREEN CLEANING” CAN MEAN FOR SCHOOLS in the latest issue of NASBE’s award-winning journal, The State Education Standard. Read “Green Cleaning Schools” to learn just exactly what “green cleaning” means, how to recognize certified green products, examples of how states have implemented green cleaning policies, and more! Go to http://goo.gl/js1hU to purchase copies or examine downloadable articles.

THE 10TH ANNUAL HEALTHY SCHOOLS DAY, focused on the promotion of healthy and green indoor learning environments in schools, is coming up April 24. To find out more about the day or to plan and register an event as part of the occasion, go to http://www.nationalhealthyschoolsday.org/.

WANT TO KEEP UP WITH NASBE on your Android phone? No problem. Just go to http://bit.ly/pEmZla or search NASBE in the Android marketplace to download and get started with the NASBE Now app!

OREGON STATE BOARD APPROVES HUNDREDS OF ACHIEVEMENT AGREEMENTS — Oregon’s Education Investment Board approved achievement compacts that will measure the success of 197 school districts, 17 community colleges, seven universities, and the Oregon Health & Science University. The detailed expectations that make up the compacts were approved by the panel just weeks ago. They include yardsticks for school districts and higher education such as the number of 9th graders who pass six or more courses, the proportion of African American students who earn diplomas, and the number of postsecondary students who complete remedial classes and move on to earn a degree and find a job. Schools and colleges must develop specific target goals for each measure by July 2. Source: Oregonlive.com (3/27/12)

MARYLAND BILL WOULD ENFORCE MAINTENANCE OF EDUCATION SPENDING — Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley said he will sign a bill that demands maintenance of education spending by counties. The new measure would require Maryland counties and Baltimore city to adhere to a base level of education spending. If the counties fail to meet the minimums, the state would keep part of the county tax revenues and deliver the funds directly to the local school boards. The measure was drafted to deal with counties that take ever-increasing amounts of state education aid but cut back on their own contributions. Source: Baltimore Sun (3/23/12)

VIRGINIA STATE BOARD ADOPTS TOUGHER MATH TESTS FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS — Despite objections from superintendents, teachers, and students, the Virginia State Board unanimously adopted new, more rigorous Standards of Learning (SOL) math assessments for grades three through eight. The new tests require students to demonstrate critical-thinking and problem-solving skills using an enhanced technology-based format that allows students to “drag and drop” items, create graphs, and plot points on a grid. Some stakeholders were concerned that the new tests would lower student achievement scores and inevitably lead to more schools being labeled as failures. Sources: Washington Post (3/28/12), Communication from Virginia State Board of Education

NASBE LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE URGES CONGRESS TO PASS ESEA REAUTHORIZATION — NASBE members came together at the association’s annual legislative conference last week and urged Congress to pass comprehensive Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) reauthorization legislation. The current iteration of ESEA, known commonly as the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), has been awaiting reform and reauthorization since 2007. Meanwhile, the law continues to punish states, school districts, and individual schools for not meeting adequate yearly progress even when there is continued student academic growth and school improvement. In addition to discussing ESEA and state-specific education issues with their Congressional delegations, NASBE members heard from U.S. Department of Education officials on ESEA waivers and President Obama’s FY2013 education budget proposal. Attendees engaged with leaders from other national education organizations concerning ESEA waivers, their education priorities, and how state boards of education play an integral role in education policy and implementation.

NEW YORK INITIATES ANTI-CHEATING UNIT IN STATE ED. DEPT. — A new Test Security Unit (TSU) at the New York State Education Department will be tasked with ensuring the integrity of exams statewide. The TSU, which will be run by a former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York and staffed by former law enforcement personnel, will have a menu of responsibilities that include prioritization and investigation of test tampering allegations, support of districts that run their own investigations, and creation of a mandatory reporting system for personnel who learn of security breaches, among others. The office and its job arose from a report compiled by a special investigator last year. “The integrity of state assessments cannot be compromised,” said Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch. “The Board of Regents took major steps last fall to protect the integrity of our assessments.  [Special Investigator] Hank Greenberg has given us the roadmap to continue down that road.” The TSU is expected to cost the state about $1 million a year. Sources: Albany Times-Union (3/15/12), New York Education Department press releases (3/15, 3/20/12)

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR EVALUATIONS NOW LAW IN WYOMING — A new law in Wyoming includes a mandate to develop a school administrator evaluation system that uses measures of students’ academic progress. While the law also holds schools accountable for underperformance, it includes a plan for state Education Department interventions to help schools meet their academic goals if necessary. If no improvement is shown within two years, the law allows the principal to be terminated. Source: Associated Press (3/21/12)

UTAH GOVERNOR VETOES CONTROVERSIAL SEX-ED BILL — Utah Gov. Gary Herbert vetoed a bill that would have required schools to teach an abstinence-only sex education curriculum and banned instruction about sexual intercourse and contraception. Had the governor signed the law, Utah would have become the first state to explicitly ban instruction about contraception. Standing law allows parents to choose where sex education is taught through an opt-in system in schools. The proposed bill would have eliminated this decision for parents, leaving all sex education beyond abstinence to be taught in the home. Herbert said the bill “simply goes too far by constricting parental options.” Opponents of the bill applauded the governor’s decision, noting existing law allows many students to receive instruction in sex education they might not get at home. Source: Salt Lake Tribune (3/18/12)

NEW JERSEY TO PROVIDE $1 MILLION TO IMPLEMENT ANTI-BULLYING LAW — Gov. Chris Christie asked for, received, and signed a bill that establishes a $1 million fund to help local school districts implement the state’s 2010 anti-bullying law. The little-known State Council on Local Mandates recently ruled that the 2010 law is an unfunded mandate on school districts and required the state to fully fund or reform the law. The new measure also establishes a seven-member task force to provide guidance to school districts in implementing the 2010 law. Source: Star-Ledger (3/27/12)

D.C. CITY COUNCIL MOVES TO CURB DROPOUTS, TEACHER SHORTAGE — The District of Columbia City Council took on the job of finding ways to cut the dropout rate in city schools, among other issues in a package of bills it approved. One measure calls for the creation of a system to follow the progress of students in 4th through 9th grades to better identify those at risk of dropping out. Another bill would give bonuses, housing assistance, or tax credits to teachers rated as highly effective by the district’s controversial IMPACT evaluations if they transfer to hard-to-staff or low-performing schools. The bills passed with near unanimity, but one councilman who abstained did so because he thinks the council should not act as a de facto school board. Source: Washington Post (3/20/12)

OKLAHOMA VOUCHER PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES RULED UNCONSTITUTIONAL — An Oklahoma district judge ruled a scholarship program for students with disabilities is unconstitutional because it sends public funds to private, sectarian organizations. The scholarship program was designed to set aside funds so students with disabilities could attend private institutions if they were not receiving needed services from their local district. School districts that sued parents of six special needs students to challenge the law noted that 38 of the 40 schools on the approved private school list are parochial institutions and said the law does not explicitly specify what the funds could be used for to support the students’ needs. Source: Tulsa World (3/28/12)

FEDERAL UPDATE

Duncan Testifies Before House Education Policy Committee on President’s FY2013 Budget Proposal — U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan testified before the House Education and Workforce Committee March 28 to explain and defend President Obama’s FY2013 nearly $70 billion education budget proposal. The proposal consolidates 38 education programs into 11 silos of programs that integrate technology and rural education as priorities throughout. The proposal, which would provide $69.8 billion in discretionary spending for the U.S. Department of Education (a $1.7 billion increase), also addresses elevating the teaching profession and increased higher education costs. To access the archived webcast and for further information about the hearing, go to http://1.usa.gov/Hmjrry.

** ANNOUNCEMENTS **

CONGRATULATIONS to Stephan Morse and Kathy Larsen on their elections as chair and vice chair, respectively, of the Vermont State Board of Education.

AACTE AND NASBE ARE JOINING to present a free webinar, “Creating a Systemic Approach to Teacher Effectiveness: Essential Dialogue for Colleges of Education and State Boards of Education,” Tuesday, April 3, 2:00-3:30 p.m. EDT based on last year’s study group report Gearing Up: Creating a Systemic Approach to Teacher Effectiveness. Representatives of NASBE and AACTE will discuss the report’s implications for teacher preparation, particularly in regards to the Teacher Performance Assessment and implementation of the Common Core State Standards. Follow this link to register.

FIND OUT WHAT “GREEN CLEANING” CAN MEAN FOR SCHOOLS in the latest issue of NASBE’s award-winning journal, The State Education Standard. Read “Green Cleaning Schools” to learn just exactly what “green cleaning” means, how to recognize certified green products, examples of how states have implemented green cleaning policies, and more! Go to http://goo.gl/js1hU to purchase copies or examine downloadable articles.

THE 10TH ANNUAL HEALTHY SCHOOLS DAY, focused on the promotion of healthy and green indoor learning environments in schools, is coming up April 24. To find out more about the day or to plan and register an event as part of the occasion, go to http://www.nationalhealthyschoolsday.org/.

WANT TO KEEP UP WITH NASBE on your Android phone? No problem. Just go to http://bit.ly/pEmZla or search NASBE in the Android marketplace to download and get started with the NASBE Now app!