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To: LWVO From: Joan Platz Education Update for April 14, 2008 1) 127th Ohio General Assembly: The Ohio House and Senate will hold sessions and hearings this week, and the House and Senate Education committees will meet. Last week Ohio lawmakers worked on legislation and initiatives concerning a substitute energy bill (SB221); the Great Lakes Compact; a proposed commission to reform local government and taxing districts (HB521); Medicaid reform; payday lending reform; and who gets to use money in the Ohio Tobacco Prevention Fund. The General Assembly appears to be getting even busier than usual in an election year, and lawmakers still have a corrections bill and capital bill to consider. 2) This Week at the Statehouse *The Senate Finance and Financial Institutions Committee, chaired by Senator Carey, will meet on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 2:30 PM or after session in the Senate Finance hearing room. The Committee will hear testimony on SB314 (Carey, Jr.), which allows the Treasurer of State to administer a linked deposit program designed to encourage personal savings and promote personal financial education. The Committee will also hear testimony on HB381 (Webster), which Increases funds available for the Ohio Research Scholars Program, and permits a nonpublic four-year Ohio university to submit a proposal for the Ohio Research Scholars Program. *The House Education Committee, chaired by Representative Setzer, will meet on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 4:00 PM in hearing room 116. The Committee will discuss English as a second language and hear testimony on HB347 (Setzer), which replaces the Praxis III assessment as a condition for a professional educator license (a substitute bill is expected), and HB421 (Miller E.), which would eliminate nuisance properties around schools. *The Senate Education Committee, chaired by Senator Padgett, will meet on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 4:00 PM in the North Hearing Room. The Committee will hear testimony on SB57 (Coughlin), which establishes the Special Education Scholarship Program; SB264 (Carey), which prohibits classroom teachers employed by boards of education from striking and instead requires binding arbitration to settle their unresolved collective bargaining disputes; and SB 270 (Cates), regarding school employee misconduct. **Please note: A LWVO Action Alert is expected to be issued regarding SB57. *The House Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Representative Gibbs, will meet on April 16, 2008 at 3:00 PM in hearing room 121. The Committee will hear testimony on HB507 (Sayre), which allows teachers to pay license renewal fees in annual installments, and allows refundable credit against income tax for educator licensing fees and criminal records check fees; and HB519 (Williams S.), which requires parents of students enrolled in school districts to perform volunteer service for the district, and requires school districts to establish mentoring programs for students. *The House State Government and Elections Committee, chaired by Representative Daniels, will meet on Thursday, April 17, 2008 at 9:30 AM in hearing room 122. The Committee will continue to hear testimony on several bills, including HB26 (Wolpert), which permits the creation of urban homestead zones and a voucher program in cities to encourage the re-population of certain city cores. 3) Community Meetings to Highlight Higher Education Plan: Chancellor Eric Fingerhut announced on April 9, 2008 that he will host Community Conversation Forums during April, May, and June to discuss the strategic plan for higher education. Forums will also be held in the following locations: -Columbus State Community College, on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 4:00 PM at the Center for Workforce Development, 315 N. Cleveland Avenue (4th floor conference center), Columbus, Ohio. Those interested in attending this forum at should contact Vickie Hunter at vhunter@cscc.edu or by calling 614-287-2412. -Shawnee State University on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 7:00 PM. -Antioch University McGregor on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 4:00 PM. -University of Cincinnati on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 12:00 PM. -Stark State Community College on Friday, May 30, 2008 at 9:30 AM. - University of Toledo TBD The events are free and open to the public. For more information about the forums please visit http://universitysystem.ohio.gov/ Governor Ted Strickland and Chancellor Eric Fingerhut released on March 31, 2008 the University System of Ohio's "Strategic Plan for Higher Education" and the "Report on the Condition of Higher Education: Meeting the State's Future Needs". The University System of Ohio includes Ohio's 13 public university campuses, one medical college, 24 regional branch campuses, 23 community colleges, and in 2009 adult literacy and adult workforce centers will be added. The strategic plan identifies specific targets over ten years to raise the level of educational attainment in Ohio and close the gap between Ohio and competitor states and nations by graduating more students, keeping more Ohio graduates in Ohio, and attracting more degree holders from other states. The strategic plan includes four primary goals in the areas of access, quality, affordability and efficiency, and economic leadership, and 20 separate measures under the goals. Data on tuition and fees, financial aid, retention and graduation rates, and other measures will be collected and monitored through a voluntary accountability system. Both reports and the summaries of these reports are available at http://universitysystem.ohio.gov/ 4) State Board of Education Meets: The State Board of Education (SBE), Jennifer Sheets president, met on April 6-8, 2008 in Columbus, Ohio. The State Board of Education's Education in the New Global Economy (EDGE) and School Funding subcommittees met on April 6, 2008 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Columbus. EDGE COMMITTEE The State Board of Education's Subcommittee for Education in the New Global Economy (EDGE), chaired by Colleen Grady and Steve Millett, met twice and also presented an update of their work to the State Board's Coordination Committee on April 8, 2008. Please see Coordination Committee below for the details of the presentation. SCHOOL FUNDING SUBCOMMITTEE The School Funding subcommittee, chaired by Virgil Brown, met to discuss recommendations regarding supplemental funding based on students needs and receive an update on the Base Cost work. The Consortium of Education Organizations also requested time on the agenda to address the School Funding Subcommittee about the recommendations included in the draft document "Toward Recommendations for School Funding Reform in Ohio, An Interim Report of Ideas Developed by the School Funding Subcommittee of the Ohio State Board of Education" (Draft 2/4/08). David Varda, Executive Director for the Ohio Association of School Business Officials, and Kirk Hamilton, Deputy Executive Director of BASA, spoke for the Consortium, and requested that the Subcommittee work together with the Consortium to improve Ohio's school funding system. They recommended that the Subcommittee first define the components of a high quality education system rather than use data from selected high performing, but low spending, gap aid districts to determine base cost in the school funding formula. The process that the Subcommittee is following to develop a new school funding system is similar to the process envisioned by the Consortium in the proposed constitutional amendment, which assigns the State Board of Education an important role in this work. However, relying on gap aid districts to determine base cost creates a problem, because these districts are not representative of Ohio's school districts, and many do not provide the breadth and depth of curricular opportunities that students need to prepare themselves to be citizens in the 21st Century. The Consortium representatives also recommended that the Subcommittee determine a state share and local share of the tax burden, but not impose a cap on voted millage, which would limit the ability of local school districts to tax themselves. Members of the Subcommittee asked the Consortium representatives several questions, including what type of districts should be used to determine base cost if not gap aid districts, and what has the Consortium learned in their work to establish a new school funding system in Ohio. The Consortium representatives recommended that the Subcommittee ensure that all stakeholders are involved in the discussions; define the purpose of education, the components, and use an evidence based model to determine the cost; ensure that the local share of taxes can grow; and ensure that there is an accountability component so that dollars are spent wisely. Following the presentation by the Consortium representatives, the Subcommittee reviewed another important component of the school funding formula, supplemental or categorical funding, presented by Paolo DeMaria, Associate Superintendent of the Center for School Finance. Supplemental funding provides additional funds, beyond base cost, to educate students identified with disabilities, economically disadvantaged, gifted, or Limited English Proficient. The Subcommittee must make a series of decisions regarding supplemental funds, such as how will students be identified; what services will be provided; what will be the expected outcomes; what will be the overall weight and the state/local split; how will base cost and local discretionary funds be used; and what other ways should supplemental funds be allocated, such as for grade levels (high school or middle school or preschool)? Barb Mattei Smith provided the Subcommittee with an update on an analysis that the ODE was conducting on the Base Cost of the selected gap aid districts. Data on teacher salary levels and student/teacher ratios of the selected gap aid districts are currently being analyzed. Members of the Subcommittee requested more information about the educational opportunities that these selected districts were providing students in the areas of regular classroom teachers, the arts, physical education, literacy coaches, counselors, librarians, nurses, social workers, AP programming, and aides. The preliminary results of this work will be reported at the May 2008 Subcommittee meeting. MEETING ON APRIL 7, 2008 The State Board of Education held its meetings on April 7-8, 2008 at the Ohio School for the Deaf, 500 Morse Road, Columbus, OH. The Quality Middle and High Schools Subcommittee, chaired by Carl Wick, the Achievement Committee, Michael Cochran and Ann Womer Benjamin co-chairs, and the Capacity Committee, Rob Hovis and Jane Sonenshein co-chairs, met in the morning. QUALITY MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS SUBCOMMITTEE Members of the Subcommittee heard an update on initiatives at the middle grades to increase academic achievement led by David Burns, ODE Executive Director of Secondary Education and Workforce Development, and Philip Binkley, Ohio Schools to Watch. Some of the initiatives that are currently underway in Ohio include programs such as Ohio Schools to Watch, Project Lead the Way, and Gateway to Technology. Phil Binkley described how Ohio Schools to Watch was being used to promote best practices in Ohio's middle grades through a self-study process that included 37 characteristics of a high performing middle grades school. Over the last four years sixteen schools have been identified as Ohio Schools to Watch. Schools must be redesignated every three years. These schools can provide information to other schools about how to meet certain challenges. Bobby Moore, the principal of Canaan Middle School in the Jonathan Alder School District, also attended the meeting, and provided information about how he created a professional learning community in the school, which led to increased student achievement and designation as an Ohio Schools to Watch. The Subcommittee also reviewed draft budget and legislative recommendations for FY10-11. Some of the recommendations align with those being considered by the Achievement and Capacity Committees. The following is a summary of the draft recommendations: -Continue to develop and expand the use of the Individual Academic and Career Plans, as a component of a system of personalized learning plans for all students -Expand Ohio Schools to Watch and focus on middle grades; build incentives and capacity -Expand access to dual enrollment programs, especially for youth from low income families, by linking Early College High Schools with Ohio's 49 Career Technical Centers -Expand Advanced Placement; include measures -Support graduation coaches in selected middle and high school buildings to ensure students have an advocate working to keep them on track for graduation. -Expand Tech Prep -Expand High Schools that Work -Advocate for a Creativity and Innovation Fund to provide incentives for Middle and High Schools to target underserved students and implement innovative strategies -Create a network of "bridge schools" that encourage over-aged and under-credited students to complete their diploma, engage in postsecondary coursework, and acquire high-wage skills and positions -Create the next generation of assessments that support 21st Century skills, provide flexibility, and move the system toward personalized learning -Support mathematics and literacy coaches in the middle grades ACHIEVEMENT COMMITTEE Career Development Programs: The Achievement Committee discussed Administrative Code Rule 3310-61-18, career development program for at-risk students. This rule is being amended to include program performance indicators specific to career-based intervention so that the ODE can collect and report data to identify best practices. Financial Literacy: The Committee heard an update on teacher professional development and options available to support instruction in financial literacy, which is required as part of the Ohio Core. The Committee suggested that the ODE become a clearinghouse for resources and best practices for teaching financial literacy. Pre-School special Education Requirements: The Committee discussed refiling Rule 3301-51-11, special education services to children in pre-school programs. The rule provides internal consistency for the identification of pre-school students with disabilities and the services needed. This rule will be voted on at the June retreat. Extended Learning Time: The Committee discussed how schools are expanding services for students by extending the school day through collaborations and partnerships with community resources, and noted the research regarding the performance of these programs through a paper entitled "Time for a New Day", an initiative in Massachusetts. Representatives from the Akron Public Schools presented information about an afterschool program called "Out of School Time" that provides community services to support students through a variety of programs, including tutoring, real world experiences, and programs that encourage students to explore their interests. The Committee also reviewed information about the California Afterschool Network. Legislative and Policy Recommendations: The Committee also reviewed twelve legislative considerations, and approved the final three, which follow: -Continue to promote alignment of regional school improvement services with the state accountability system; -Create a pilot project of innovation schools, allowing at least five to be granted increased flexibility within their traditional school districts. This would permit these schools to try new strategies to improve student achievement without the typical restrictions; -Develop statewide guidelines for districts to implement internal accountability systems, e.g. student climate surveys. CAPACITY COMMITTEE Payment of Debt Charges: The Capacity Committee discussed Rule 3310-8-01, payment of debt charges under the state credit enhancement program. The ODE is asking that the rule be placed in "refiled status" with JCARR, because questions have been raised regarding when a district may require a solvency assistance plan under Chapter 3316. The rule will be rewritten and brought back to the Board in May 2008. Personalized Learning Plan: Information was presented about Personalized Learning Plans, which provide students, parents, teachers, and building and district administrators with the tools they need to address the individual needs of students. A packet of information was distributed to Committee members highlighting examples of personalized learning plans, including those in other states and Ohio, and research regarding personalized learning plans. The Committee also discussed some policy considerations, such as, what are the impediments for schools to overcome to implement personalized learning plans for students; and who is responsible and liable for implementing, updating, and monitoring the plans. Committee members agreed to continue discussing this proposal. Community School Fiscal Officer: The ODE is currently researching how many licensed treasurers are acting as fiscal officers for community schools. Community schools are not required to employ licensed treasurers, but their fiscal officers must complete specific course work and training. This research is being conducted at the request of the Capacity Committee, and is related to the number of annual fiscal reports from community schools that cannot be audited. The annual fiscal reports from 37 community schools have been declared unauditable for a variety of reasons since 1999. Last year two school districts were declared unauditable. So far the ODE has found 60 community schools (out of 324) that may employ fiscal officers who are not licensed school treasurers, but this information must still be verified by the ODE. The Committee is considering what steps should be taken to improve the fiscal management practices of community schools. TITLE 1 SCHOOLS RECOGNIZED The State Board recognized two Ohio schools as 2008 National Title I Distinguished Schools: Prospect Elementary School in the Girard City School District and the Toledo School for the Arts. These schools were selected to receive this recognition in February 2008 by the National Association of State Title I Directors. POLICY DISCUSSION: SCHOOL FUNDING AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Paolo DeMaria, Associate Superintendent for the Center for School Options and Finance, presented an overview of the work of the Board's School Funding Subcommittee to develop a comprehensive school funding system that supports student achievement; defines needed financial resources and funding-related policy changes; and promotes strategies and tools to help schools and districts manage resources effectively and efficiently. According to Dr. Zelman's report to the Board, the School Funding Subcommittee "...is committed to crafting a school funding solution for Ohio that is student-centered, results-oriented, and reality-based." The Subcommittee is developing a comprehensive school funding reform proposal that will address how much money is needed, for what, and by whom; how do districts raise the local share of funding; how should fiscal responsibility be divided between state government and local districts/governments; how will the state get the money to support their share; how do we make sure the money is being used effectively; and what incentives, rewards, and consequences should there be? The presentation included an update on determining Base Cost; supplemental funding based on student needs; equity funding; guarantees and protection mechanisms; local revenue; division of fiscal responsibility/state and local contributions; ensuring best results; and rewards and consequences. Several maps were included in the presentation to show the diversity of Ohio's school districts in expenditure per pupil; average pupil/teacher ratio; average teacher salary; percent of students with disabilities; percent of economically disadvantaged students; parity aid per pupil; state funds as a percent of total school district revenue; and federal revenue per pupil. The following is a summary of some of the comments and observations from Board members regarding this presentation: -What are the goals and purposes of education? What are we trying to do, and should there be a conversation about it? -The purpose of education is to prepare students to be citizens, or maybe that has changed. -Do all districts need more money, or just some? The expenditure per pupil ranges from a low of $7,000 to a high of $17,000. -Some school districts get no foundation aid, although they may still get state funds for special education or transportation. What about base cost erosion which happens when the base cost is used to supplement services for students with special needs. -How can the equity gap be closed? How much will it take? -Are there too many levies? Too many jurisdictions? How can local property taxes grow? -What about consolidation of schools districts? Would there be a benefit, or would only certain regions benefit? -What about statewide pooling of property taxes? -Where do we stand with the court decision? Have we done enough? -The education and school funding system must be completely redesigned, because it is based on a 150 year old factory model. -The work of the School Funding Subcommittee must align with the work of the other SBE Committees. -Whatever the State Board develops, it must be convincing to the members of the General Assembly. To learn more about this work, please visit the School Funding Subcommittee home page on the ODE website at http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?Page=3&TopicRelationID=574&Content=45386 This website includes reports from the Subcommittee, including minutes from the meetings, other reports generated, a power point presentation with audio, and a draft report dated February 4, 2008 called "Toward Recommendations for School Funding Reform in Ohio An Interim Report of ideas developed by the School Funding Subcommittee of the Ohio State Board of Education." The Board also heard an update from Paolo DeMaria on the Education Fiscal Data Project, which is supported through an earmark in the FY08-09 budget. The purpose of this project is to determine how school districts spend money, and whether or not they are allocating resources in ways that improve student achievement. The goal of the project is to align fiscal information with other educational data to develop useful measures of effectiveness and efficiency that help districts evaluate their practices and provide the best educational services for students. Phase 1 of the project reviewed how the ODE collects and uses school district financial data. According to the review, school district financial data is used primarily for auditing and reporting purposes, but the amount and quality of data being collected by the state could support more rigorous fiscal analysis of school spending. The annual audits conducted by the Auditor of State are providing important information to school districts about aligning school budgets with education goals; strategically using the five year forecasts; good purchasing practices; practices related to leave time management, employee contributions, overtime management; strategic planning for facilities; accurate enrollment projections; energy management; standardized janitorial and custodial procedures; transportation - routing, bus replacement, inventory management, preventive maintenance; and technology - standardization, support, replacement. The ODE is piloting the District Resource Allocation Modeler (DREAM) tool to develop dialogue about how to align resources with best education practice. This work could lead to a recognition program for school district efficiency, an efficiency measure on the local report card, and financial incentives for school districts implementing efficient practices. DIFFERENTIATED ACCOUNTABILITY UNDER NCLB President Sheets requested that the Board consider for approval a request from Stephen Barr, Associate Superintendent for School Improvement, called "Differentiated Accountability Under No Child Left Behind". The ODE has developed a proposal, which will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education for approval, regarding a recently announced pilot project that allows states to propose their own methods for categorizing buildings and school districts in "improvement status" and determine interventions. This proposal will not change the process used to determine Adequate Yearly Progress or rate schools and districts, but will create three levels of risk (low risk, medium risk, and high risk) for schools and school districts designated in "improvement status" based on the percentage of conditions not met, rather than the amount of time the district or school is in school improvement status. This item was added to the Board Agenda and approved. CHAPTER 119 HEARING A Chapter 119 Hearing was held regarding the following rules. No one testified. -Refile OAC Rules 3301-8-01 to 09, Payment of Debt Services -Amend OAC Rules 3301-61-17 Telecommunicator Training -Amend OAC Rule 3301-83-04,06,09, 10, and 16, Pupil Transportation MEETING ON APRIL 8, 2008 COORDINATION COMMITTEE The State Board of Education's Coordination Committee, chaired by Carl Wick and Eric Okerson, was established to integrate the work of all the committees and subcommittees of the State Board into a single set of budget and legislative recommendations for the Board to consider at the June Retreat. The Coordination Committee has compiled a draft document called "Policy, Budgetary, and Legislative Considerations for the State Board of Education" (revised 3/13/08), which includes twelve considerations by the Achievement Committee; twenty-two considerations from the Capacity Committee; two considerations from the EDGE Subcommittee; seven considerations from the High Schools and Middle Schools Subcommittee; six considerations from the School Funding Subcommittee; and seven considerations from the School Readiness Committee. The Coordination Committee also discussed the Top Ten list presented by the EDGE Committee; reviewed a chart entitled "Governor's Reform Process Crosswalk", which compares the education reform ideas gathered by Governor Strickland to initiatives underway by the State Board of Education and the recommendations from the Achieve Report; reviewed the recently released the Higher Education Strategic Plan; and discussed documents entitled "Transforming Education in Ohio." PRESENTATION FROM THE EDGE SUBCOMMITTEE Co-chairs Colleen Grady and Steve Millett provided an overview of the work of the EDGE Subcommittee to the Board. The purpose of the EDGE Subcommittee is twofold: Engage industry, businesses of all sizes, entrepreneurs, non-profit organization, government, institutions of post-secondary education, and the general public to identify the knowledge and skills required by Ohio students to be better prepared and more productive in the highly competitive environment of the new global economy from the present to 2020; and provide the State Board of Education with policy recommendations and an implementation plan addressing standards, assessment, and student achievement designed to improve the economic competitiveness of Ohio students. The EDGE Subcommittee presented to the State Board a "Top Ten" list of knowledge and skills that students will need to be competitive in the 21st Century and recommendations for certain school reform initiatives. The following Top Ten list was developed through a process that generated ideas from a literature review, statewide online survey, 16 interviews with representatives of the business community in Ohio, and input from the EDGE Subcommittee: -Critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and applied knowledge for practical results -Mastery of rigorous academic content, especially in literacy, mathematics, and information technologies -Innovative and creative thinking, including entrepreneurial skills -Communication skills, both oral and written -Team learning and work, relationship building, and interpersonal social skills -Alignment of education with the needs of economic development, including better communications and cooperation between educators and businesses -Personal responsibility, including good work habits, work ethic, knowing how to be flexible and continue learning, and financial literacy -Global awareness, languages, and understanding other cultures (including history, economics and geography) -Communications and better interfaces between K-12 public education and post-secondary/higher education to make high school graduates better prepared for the next stage of their education and lives -Teacher education, preparation, and professional development to support content mastery and skill development, including applied learning (or problem-based learning) across disciplines in a global context Board members discussed the Top Ten list and the next steps needed to develop budget and policy recommendations, and how to communicate the results of the EDGE Subcommittee's findings to stakeholders and the general public. The Top Ten list has implications for Ohio's education system, including curriculum, instruction, assessments, funding, and teacher preparation and professional development, and affects not only K-12 education but also higher education and economic development efforts in Ohio. The following comments and observations were made by Board members: -How does the Top Ten list align with Ohio's academic content standards? How do we do a better job of preparing students? Are schools already teaching these knowledge and skills? If not, why not? -How do we engage with the public and communicate the bigger purpose of K-12 education and its alignment with higher education and workforce development? -How do we build a consistent quality education system in Ohio? -How will teachers find time to teach all that is expected, especially if they are expected to teach skills? -This information is not new or dramatic. Some areas of the state are not covered. A strong leadership model will need to be developed to implement change. -It will be important to get the reaction of stakeholders to the draft, and also assess what is already going on, and how this interfaces with early learning, career tech, the work of the Foreign Language Advisory Council, leadership initiatives, the work of the Education Standards Board, and the work of the Committee for the Arts and Innovative Thinking. -What tools, training, and leadership development will be needed to make this happen in our schools for all students? -Definitions of all terms, such as creativity, innovation, and problem solving skills, need to be developed. How do futurists define creativity and innovation? -There is a lot to learn about creativity from the performing arts. We should explore the body of research on creativity and how the brain works. -This work supports students being well educated in the liberal arts. Other countries such as India understand that the curriculum must blend technology with creativity. Eric Okerson and Carl Wick, co-chairs of the Coordination Committee, explained that the work of the EDGE Subcommittee is one component of a master plan to transform Ohio's education system. More discussion and decisions about the Top Ten list will occur at the State Board of Education's June 2008 Retreat. The Achievement and Capacity Committees and the Board's other subcommittees will review the Top Ten list and determine where it aligns with their budget and policy recommendations. The EDGE Subcommittee will continue to work on defining terms and implementation strategies, including a communications plan. It was also suggested that a blog be set up to receive comments regarding the Top Ten. BUSINESS MEETING The State Board of Education convened its business meeting and immediately convened into executive session. Following lunch the Board heard a report from the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Dr. Susan Tave Zelman, on several grants that the ODE had recently received to develop new assessments to measure student achievement. A $1.2 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will be used to develop new assessment tools and identify best international practices for diagnosing and intervening in low performing schools. $150,000 from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation will support the first year of the four-year assessment project. The ODE will review new forms of assessments, such as end-of-course exams, student portfolios, and curriculum-embedded assessments to identify readiness for college and employment. The ODE has been working with Stanford University to evaluate the state's current system of assessments, and will use that information in this work. The ODE is also asking local foundations to support local pilot testing of the new generation of assessments. The Board removed two items from its agenda, and added a resolution to support a Differentiated Pilot Project that will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education, and a resolution requesting the Ohio Attorney General appeal the decision in the case Cincinnati City Schools vs. State Board of Education regarding the enrollment of community school students. The Board then took action on eleven personnel items and the resolutions included below. There were no participants for public participation on agenda items, but two individuals testified on non-agenda items: Leslie McBane testified in opposition to recent budget cuts in Reading Recovery Programs, and Bill Leibensperger from the OEA requested that the Board continue to work together with the OEA and also support HB 507 (Sayre) Educator License Fees Payments. The Board then adjourned. The next meeting of the State Board of Education is May 12-13, 2008. AGENDA ITEMS -Approved a Resolution to Direct the ODE to place in refiled status with the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review Proposed Amended Rule 3301-8-01, Payment of Debt Charges under the State Credit Enhancement Program. A revised draft of the rule will be presented to the Capacity Committee in May 2008. -Approved a Resolution of Intent to Amend Rule 3301-23-41, 12-Hour Temporary Teacher Permit -Approved a Resolution of Intent to Adopt Rule 3301-24-15, Provisional License for STEM -Approved a Resolution of Intent Regarding Payment in lieu of Transportation for the Northwest Local School District -Approved a Resolution of Intent to Consider the Proposed Territory Transfer for Clermont Northeast School District to Milford Exempted Village -Approved a Resolution to Adopt Rule 3301-17-01 through 09, Accurate Reporting of Data -Approved a Resolution to Adopt Rule 3301-51-05, Procedural Safeguards -Pulled from the Agenda. Approve a Resolution to Adopt New Rule 3301-51-11, Preschool Special Education Requirements -Approved a Resolution to Amend Rule 3301-102-02 through 06 Regarding Community School Sponsorship -Approved a Resolution to Amend Rule 3301-104-02, Internet or Computer Based Community School Definitions -Approved a Resolution to support the ODE submitting to the U.S. Department of Education a proposal called "Differentiated Accountability Under NCLB." -Approved a Resolution requesting the Ohio Attorney General to appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court a decision by the Hamilton County Court of Appeals issued on March 28, 2008 regarding state payments due the Cincinnati City School District in 2006-2007. 5) Center Focuses on Benefit-Cost for Education: The Center for Benefit-Cost Studies of Education, at Teachers College, Columbia University was established by Hank M. Levin from Columbia University and Clive R. Belfield, assistant professor of economics at Queens College at the City University of New York. The Center provides information about the long and short term cost and benefits for educational initiatives and programs. For example, the Center has issued reports on the cost and benefit of preschool programs; dropout-prevention programs; high school graduation; LEEDS national benefit, and education programs in Minnesota and California. For information and to view reports please visit http://www.cbcse.org/ 6) Defining and Promoting Creativity: The Conference Board and Americans for the Arts, in partnership with the American Association of School Administrators, released in March 2008 "Ready to Innovate: Are Educators and Executives Aligned on the Creative Readiness of the U.S. Workforce?" by James Lichtenberg, Christopher Woock, and Mary Wright. This report includes the results of a survey of public school superintendents and American business executives regarding employability skills. The survey rated creativity as an increasingly important skill for employees (99 percent by superintendents and 97 percent by employers), and the study of the arts, experience in performing arts/entertainment, and self-employed work as the top ways to demonstrate and develop creativity. However, the survey also showed a disconnect between the importance of creativity and how superintendents and employers support activities that promote creativity. For example, courses in the arts in school are often not required for students, and training workshops to nurture creativity in employees are often provided on a "as needed basis". According to the authors, "It is also time for greater dialogue within and across all sectors to better understand and align efforts to foster creativity in current and future U.S. employees." The report is available at http://www.conference-board.org/publications/describe.cfm?id=1452 7) Bills introduced that are related to education: HB530 (Hottinger) Authorizes the Treasurer of State to administer a linked deposit program designed to encourage personal savings and promote personal financial education. SB314 (Carey) Authorizes the Treasurer of State to administer a linked deposit program designed to encourage personal savings and promote personal financial education. |
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Ohio Fair Schools Campaign, 94 Columbus Road Athens, Ohio 45701 Tel. (740)592-2866 Fax (740)593-5451 |
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