Legislature will consider teacher report cards
Legislature will consider teacher report cards
Please rally against this. I don't know a single teacher who would want a report card for them based on the new teacher evaluations.
Please rally against this. I don't know a single teacher who would want a report card for them based on the new teacher evaluations.
Teachers' Union Leading School Reform? Impossible!
Teachers' Union Leading School Reform? Impossible!
I recently presented our top issues for this upcoming legislative session to the Cobb delegation. One of the things we clashed with the Legislators about was class size. We were emphasizing how important bringing back class size limits was and that smaller class size is important. They argued that "research" shows that class size does not matter to student performance. I stated, "from my personal, first hand experience along with the experiences of the many educators I come in contact with daily, CLASS SIZE MATTERS!" Research can be made to say anything, as most of us know, but we KNOW that smaller class sizes lead to better learning experiences, less safety issues (especially in science classes), less discipline problems, and overall better performance. This article brings up the fact that TEACHERS know smaller class size is important. An excellent article. (and not just because it agrees with me!)
I recently presented our top issues for this upcoming legislative session to the Cobb delegation. One of the things we clashed with the Legislators about was class size. We were emphasizing how important bringing back class size limits was and that smaller class size is important. They argued that "research" shows that class size does not matter to student performance. I stated, "from my personal, first hand experience along with the experiences of the many educators I come in contact with daily, CLASS SIZE MATTERS!" Research can be made to say anything, as most of us know, but we KNOW that smaller class sizes lead to better learning experiences, less safety issues (especially in science classes), less discipline problems, and overall better performance. This article brings up the fact that TEACHERS know smaller class size is important. An excellent article. (and not just because it agrees with me!)
A Level-Headed (But Still Narrow-Minded) Take on VAM
A Level-Headed (But Still Narrow-Minded) Take on VAM Excellent article on a topic that is sure to come up this Legislative session.
Michelle Rhee Details Plans for Spreading Education Reform
Michelle Rhee Details Plans for Spreading Education Reform
Her statements about teachers' unions are offensive and incorrect. No one that I know wants to put teachers before students! We all got into teaching for the students, we are not so self-absorbed that we forget that! When I go out to represent members, I always ask myself "would I want this person teaching/working with my child?" When I talk to politicians or other non-educators, I always work for what is best for the student. I wish I could speak directly to Ms. Rhee and tell her that she has it all wrong, testing or under-paid teachers are not what is best for children!! Allowing teachers who are happy and respected to do what they are trained to do IS what is best for children!!
Her statements about teachers' unions are offensive and incorrect. No one that I know wants to put teachers before students! We all got into teaching for the students, we are not so self-absorbed that we forget that! When I go out to represent members, I always ask myself "would I want this person teaching/working with my child?" When I talk to politicians or other non-educators, I always work for what is best for the student. I wish I could speak directly to Ms. Rhee and tell her that she has it all wrong, testing or under-paid teachers are not what is best for children!! Allowing teachers who are happy and respected to do what they are trained to do IS what is best for children!!
Taking Teacher Evaluation to Extremes
Taking Teacher Evaluation to Extremes This is an excellent article on the ludicrous nature of value added measurement of teachers.
Public Displays of Teacher Effectiveness
Public Displays of Teacher Effectiveness excellent commentary on Value Added programs
As Race to the Top becomes reality, doubts emerge
As Race to the Top becomes reality, doubts emerge
Education is not a race, it is the RIGHT of every American child to have a quality public education. With a race you have winners and losers, do we want any child to be a loser?! Teachers should not have to compete with each other for the best students so they get higher test scores and therefore, more money. Look what happened in the Atlanta Public Schools when they had to compete! Cheating! Teaching should be a collaboration not a competition!
Education is not a race, it is the RIGHT of every American child to have a quality public education. With a race you have winners and losers, do we want any child to be a loser?! Teachers should not have to compete with each other for the best students so they get higher test scores and therefore, more money. Look what happened in the Atlanta Public Schools when they had to compete! Cheating! Teaching should be a collaboration not a competition!
Public Policy Blogger: Messrs. Duncan and Gates- Why are you promoting a ...
Public Policy Blogger: Messrs. Duncan and Gates- Why are you promoting a ...: "On the subject of public education, the first words out of politicians' and business leaders' mouths are 'America's public schools are faili..."
Just found this blogger, love her!!
Just found this blogger, love her!!
Half of Florida's School Districts Violating Class Size Limits
Half of Florida's School Districts Violating Class Size Limits at least they still have class size limits, Georgia waived class size limits, so we can pack them in!!
UPDATED: 'DREAM' Activism
UPDATED: 'DREAM' Activism This article provides an excellent explanation of the Dream Act. If you are for or against the Act, this updates you on what is going on this minute.
Program helping spawn unlikely science scholars | ajc.com
Program helping spawn unlikely science scholars ajc.com This program is such a great idea. I can see incorporating it in lower socioeconomic schools by pairing up our students with college peers. Love it!
When teachers cuss. And students hear.
When teachers cuss. And students hear. As someone who tries to not cuss, especially around children, mine or students, I still don't think a teacher should be fired or fined for one curse word. If it occurs all the time and "at" students, then that is another matter. Think about it, students aren't fired, or even suspended, for cursing then why should a teacher be? I know we are held to a higher standard but come on, everyone lets one slip every once in a while.
Hopeful News on Teaching Boys
Hopeful News on Teaching Boys
Since I have taught mostly boys in my teaching career, I had already figured out that forming relationships with boys leads to them becoming invested in learning, thus doing better in school. Part of what I loved about my classroom at Griffin Middle school was that I could teach the same boys from 6th grade all the way to 8th grade. The relationships we formed lead them to feel more comfortable in my class, more cared about reading, and, in the end, be more successful. I could take a boy in 6th grade who was resistant, combative, and did not feel he could learn, and by 8th grade he would be a different kid. One boy comes to mind. When I got him in 6th grade he was totally sure he couldn't read. He told me the first day, "I have an IEP and it says I can't read, you have to read everything to me." He had totally given up on reading. I explained to him that my class was different, I believe you can read and you WILL read in here. We butted heads all 6th grade leading to threats, write ups, and parent conferences. I asked the mom to hang in there with me, that I knew where we were going and we would get there. By the end of 6th grade he was reading on his own. Yes, it was only at the 2nd grade level, but it was on his own! The next year for 7th grade he became one of the best kids in my class. He loved to read and got on kids who acted out in class. Yes, he still had problems in his other classes with behavior, but he was feeling successful in reading! By the end of 7th grade he was up to 5th grade!
Now the sad news, my reading program was eliminated that year due to budget cuts. Yes, that was this year and I was devastated and my students were too. That is part of why I stepped out of the classroom to serve as President of CCAE. We cannot let cuts hurt children, but they are. We must stand up and fight for our students and for ourselves. Teachers really do care and know what is best. Save me from business people or musicians or actors who want to tell me how to teach!! Let us do what we know and children will be better for it!
Since I have taught mostly boys in my teaching career, I had already figured out that forming relationships with boys leads to them becoming invested in learning, thus doing better in school. Part of what I loved about my classroom at Griffin Middle school was that I could teach the same boys from 6th grade all the way to 8th grade. The relationships we formed lead them to feel more comfortable in my class, more cared about reading, and, in the end, be more successful. I could take a boy in 6th grade who was resistant, combative, and did not feel he could learn, and by 8th grade he would be a different kid. One boy comes to mind. When I got him in 6th grade he was totally sure he couldn't read. He told me the first day, "I have an IEP and it says I can't read, you have to read everything to me." He had totally given up on reading. I explained to him that my class was different, I believe you can read and you WILL read in here. We butted heads all 6th grade leading to threats, write ups, and parent conferences. I asked the mom to hang in there with me, that I knew where we were going and we would get there. By the end of 6th grade he was reading on his own. Yes, it was only at the 2nd grade level, but it was on his own! The next year for 7th grade he became one of the best kids in my class. He loved to read and got on kids who acted out in class. Yes, he still had problems in his other classes with behavior, but he was feeling successful in reading! By the end of 7th grade he was up to 5th grade!
Now the sad news, my reading program was eliminated that year due to budget cuts. Yes, that was this year and I was devastated and my students were too. That is part of why I stepped out of the classroom to serve as President of CCAE. We cannot let cuts hurt children, but they are. We must stand up and fight for our students and for ourselves. Teachers really do care and know what is best. Save me from business people or musicians or actors who want to tell me how to teach!! Let us do what we know and children will be better for it!
The Marietta Daily Journal - SafePath earns award for service to children
The Marietta Daily Journal - SafePath earns award for service to children
If you are not aware of this organization, please learn more about them! They are a Godsend for abused children! If you want to donate to charity this season, please make it this one!
If you are not aware of this organization, please learn more about them! They are a Godsend for abused children! If you want to donate to charity this season, please make it this one!
Sixth-grade academies ease transition for students, parents | ajc.com
Sixth-grade academies ease transition for students, parents ajc.com Great Job Landon, a proud GAE/CCAE member!!! We are proud of you!
Duncan: Stop Paying Teachers Like 'Interchangeable Widgets'
Duncan: Stop Paying Teachers Like 'Interchangeable Widgets' This is a nice way to say merit pay and pay for performance.
When Pedagogical Misinformation Trumps Reason
When Pedagogical Misinformation Trumps Reason Carol Tomlinson responds to a critic of Differentiated Instruction.
NC students offered Microsoft certification course - WECT TV6 - WECT.com - Wilmington, NC news and weather -
NC students offered Microsoft certification course - love this idea, get them ready for a job!
Collaborative Planning
This video is so true but also so funny, and we can all use a joke about the silly mess that is going on in education!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVXhA_hs2J8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVXhA_hs2J8
The Marietta Daily Journal - Question everything
The Marietta Daily Journal - Question everything A good article about Alison Bartlett from our school board.
State can’t afford early holiday pay for teachers this year
State can’t afford early holiday pay for teachers this year This will NOT affect Cobb employees, see earlier blog entry.
False Rumors about Pay
Today another organization sent an email regarding our pay being held for Nov. and Dec. I received the following information from Cobb County School District:
I understand some teachers may be concerned because of a report that the state QBE funding is being delayed this year and won't be paid until the last day of November and December, whereas in the past it has been paid prior to the holidays.
While this is true, it will have no effect in Cobb. I spoke with Mike Addison, the district's Chief Financial Officer, and he said that we are in excellent position regarding cash flow and that it will not affect our payroll schedule.
Please feel free to relay this information with any of your members who have concerns, I would appreciate it.
Thank you,
Jay Dillon
Director of Communications
Cobb County School District
I understand some teachers may be concerned because of a report that the state QBE funding is being delayed this year and won't be paid until the last day of November and December, whereas in the past it has been paid prior to the holidays.
While this is true, it will have no effect in Cobb. I spoke with Mike Addison, the district's Chief Financial Officer, and he said that we are in excellent position regarding cash flow and that it will not affect our payroll schedule.
Please feel free to relay this information with any of your members who have concerns, I would appreciate it.
Thank you,
Jay Dillon
Director of Communications
Cobb County School District
Merit Pay, Ready or Not
Merit Pay, Ready or Not This article examines the fact that Merit Pay of some type is coming. As educators we can no longer just say NO, we must become involved in the discussions and the shaping of the plans. Being involved is the only way to ensure that what is finally passed is fair to all.
Best High School Band Tournament
Received from WSB-TV
My name is Nelson Hicks and I work for WSB-TV.
I'm emailing today to let you know about the station's 64-team Best High School Band Tournament on the station's website, wsbtv.com. It just started.
The winning band will get to play at an Atlanta Braves baseball game.
Hopefully I have reached the correct person to send this to, if not, if you could either forward it on to that person or just let me know, I would appreciate it.
www.wsbtv.com/sportszonefriday/21293935/detail.html is the link to the tournament brackets and all the information about the contest.
Feel free to share with all the band members, parents, school staff, etc.,
My name is Nelson Hicks and I work for WSB-TV.
I'm emailing today to let you know about the station's 64-team Best High School Band Tournament on the station's website, wsbtv.com. It just started.
The winning band will get to play at an Atlanta Braves baseball game.
Hopefully I have reached the correct person to send this to, if not, if you could either forward it on to that person or just let me know, I would appreciate it.
www.wsbtv.com/sportszonefriday/21293935/detail.html is the link to the tournament brackets and all the information about the contest.
Feel free to share with all the band members, parents, school staff, etc.,
Schools that defy the odds: No secret recipe but there are common and essential ingredients
Schools that defy the odds: No secret recipe but there are common and essential ingredients
This is an excellent article. I really like the idea of having retired teachers as mentors for new teachers. The retired teacher is not part of the system and has no impact on the new teacher's evaluation, therefore making the mentor non-threatening. I think this would really raise the level of acceptance from the new teachers. I also like that the article talks about Principals trusting their staff and being able to pick them. Micromanaging helps no one! There are principals in Cobb who need to hear that. But, on the same hand, some great principals, like Griffin Middle School's Darryl York, need to have a greater level of responsibility in choosing staff he can trust. People often blame Unions, like CCAE/GAE for protecting bad teachers. Not true, we, as teachers ourselves, dislike bad teachers too. Believe me, there is nothing that boils my blood as much as a bad teacher, but we do believe everyone deserves their legal right to due process. So tell me what you think...
This is an excellent article. I really like the idea of having retired teachers as mentors for new teachers. The retired teacher is not part of the system and has no impact on the new teacher's evaluation, therefore making the mentor non-threatening. I think this would really raise the level of acceptance from the new teachers. I also like that the article talks about Principals trusting their staff and being able to pick them. Micromanaging helps no one! There are principals in Cobb who need to hear that. But, on the same hand, some great principals, like Griffin Middle School's Darryl York, need to have a greater level of responsibility in choosing staff he can trust. People often blame Unions, like CCAE/GAE for protecting bad teachers. Not true, we, as teachers ourselves, dislike bad teachers too. Believe me, there is nothing that boils my blood as much as a bad teacher, but we do believe everyone deserves their legal right to due process. So tell me what you think...
Schools Matter: What the "Free" Means in Free (Charter) School
Schools Matter: What the "Free" Means in Free (Charter) School: "I am beginning to think 'free' school is a better descriptor than charter school. For Brits looking at the American model for inspiration, ..."
Part of Jessica's Law ruled unconstitutional - latimes.com
Part of Jessica's Law ruled unconstitutional - latimes.com Sex offenders have the "right" to live near schools. Sad...
Balanced Calendar
Dear Members,
We have been asked for feedback regarding the balanced calendar. Please email the school board members regarding your opinion. If you enjoyed the week off in September, or if you didn't, please let them know. This is an issue that is sure to come up soon, to be voted on for the upcoming years. We NEED to make OUR voices heard!
Lynnda Crowder-Eagle ▪ Post 1 ▪ Chairperson of the Board
lcrowder-eagle.boardmember@cobbk12.org
Holli Cash ▪ Post 2 ▪ Vice Chairperson of the Board
hcash.boardmember@cobbk12.org
David Morgan ▪ Post 3
dmorgan.boardmember@cobbk12.org
Dr. John Abraham ▪ Post 4
jabraham.boardmember@cobbk12.org
David Banks ▪ Post 5
dbanks.boardmember@cobbk12.org
Dr. John Crooks ▪ Post 6
jcrooks.boardmember@cobbk12.org
Alison Bartlett ▪ Post 7
abartlett.boardmember@cobbk12.org
We have been asked for feedback regarding the balanced calendar. Please email the school board members regarding your opinion. If you enjoyed the week off in September, or if you didn't, please let them know. This is an issue that is sure to come up soon, to be voted on for the upcoming years. We NEED to make OUR voices heard!
Lynnda Crowder-Eagle ▪ Post 1 ▪ Chairperson of the Board
lcrowder-eagle.boardmember@cobbk12.org
Holli Cash ▪ Post 2 ▪ Vice Chairperson of the Board
hcash.boardmember@cobbk12.org
David Morgan ▪ Post 3
dmorgan.boardmember@cobbk12.org
Dr. John Abraham ▪ Post 4
jabraham.boardmember@cobbk12.org
David Banks ▪ Post 5
dbanks.boardmember@cobbk12.org
Dr. John Crooks ▪ Post 6
jcrooks.boardmember@cobbk12.org
Alison Bartlett ▪ Post 7
abartlett.boardmember@cobbk12.org
Report of School Board Meeting 10/28
Report of School Board Meeting 10/28
1. F & T meeting will be called next week
2. SPLOST acceleration was passed, this means a TAN will be taken out and all the construction will be moved up
3. Legal fees for John Crooks will be paid for $25,000+
4. Strategic Plan Revision was adopted
5. Hired the Georgia School Board Association to help conduct the Superintendent search
6. Joseph Horton was moved from AP Garrett Middle School to AP North Cobb HS
The board adjourned
1. F & T meeting will be called next week
2. SPLOST acceleration was passed, this means a TAN will be taken out and all the construction will be moved up
3. Legal fees for John Crooks will be paid for $25,000+
4. Strategic Plan Revision was adopted
5. Hired the Georgia School Board Association to help conduct the Superintendent search
6. Joseph Horton was moved from AP Garrett Middle School to AP North Cobb HS
The board adjourned
Pictures from our Political Forum
Reaction mixed on Cobb's alternative digital academy | ajc.com
Reaction mixed on Cobb's alternative digital academy ajc.com
I still think they made a mistake in closing Oakwood. Oakwood served a group of students who needed exactly what they offered. Those students were displaced from their original schools but found a safe haven in Oakwood.
I still think they made a mistake in closing Oakwood. Oakwood served a group of students who needed exactly what they offered. Those students were displaced from their original schools but found a safe haven in Oakwood.
Joe Martin for State School Superintendent!
I am supporting Joe Martin to be our next State School Superintendent, because he has the commitment and ability to move Georgia ahead in education. He will also be a champion for educators, because he understands the crucial role of those who teach our students.
As one of the foremost advocates for education in Georgia, he has a lifetime of service to our children. He has always put our students and teachers ahead of politics.
While serving on his local school board for 20 years, he confronted some of the toughest challenges in education. He also initiated significant improvements as a member of major state commissions appointed by three Governors. Most recently, he led the fight to protect our schools by upholding the State Constitution.
That’s why Georgians throughout our state who care about our schools are supporting Joe Martin for State School Superintendent. They are looking past party labels to elect the best leader for our schools. The other candidates aren’t ready for this important responsibility.
As State School Superintendent, Joe will push to end the furloughs, restore the school year, and reduce class sizes. He will increase the respect for educators, lessen the emphasis on standardized tests, and encourage local decisions. He also has the business skills to make the best use of the available resources for the benefit of our students.
You can learn more about Joe and his plans for Georgia's schools at www.joemartin.org.
Please join me in supporting Joe in this very important election, and please spread the word to others. Joe Martin will stand up for our schools!
As one of the foremost advocates for education in Georgia, he has a lifetime of service to our children. He has always put our students and teachers ahead of politics.
While serving on his local school board for 20 years, he confronted some of the toughest challenges in education. He also initiated significant improvements as a member of major state commissions appointed by three Governors. Most recently, he led the fight to protect our schools by upholding the State Constitution.
That’s why Georgians throughout our state who care about our schools are supporting Joe Martin for State School Superintendent. They are looking past party labels to elect the best leader for our schools. The other candidates aren’t ready for this important responsibility.
As State School Superintendent, Joe will push to end the furloughs, restore the school year, and reduce class sizes. He will increase the respect for educators, lessen the emphasis on standardized tests, and encourage local decisions. He also has the business skills to make the best use of the available resources for the benefit of our students.
You can learn more about Joe and his plans for Georgia's schools at www.joemartin.org.
Please join me in supporting Joe in this very important election, and please spread the word to others. Joe Martin will stand up for our schools!
Advanced voting
Advanced voting available this week at six locations
Advanced voting for the Nov. 2 general election is available this week, Oct. 25-29, at six locations. Any Cobb voter can vote at any of the following locations. There will be no voting Monday, Nov. 1.
for more information, call 770-528-2581 or visit cobbcounty.org/elections.
East Cobb Government Service Center, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
4400 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta
South Cobb Community Center, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
620 Lions Club Drive, Mableton
Northstar Church, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
3413 Blue Springs Road NW, Kennesaw
Cobb County Civic Center, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
548 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta
Boots Ward Recreation Center, Lost Mountain Park, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
4845 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs.
Cobb Elections main office, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
736 Whitlock Ave., Marietta (West Park Government Center)
Advanced voting for the Nov. 2 general election is available this week, Oct. 25-29, at six locations. Any Cobb voter can vote at any of the following locations. There will be no voting Monday, Nov. 1.
for more information, call 770-528-2581 or visit cobbcounty.org/elections.
East Cobb Government Service Center, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
4400 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta
South Cobb Community Center, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
620 Lions Club Drive, Mableton
Northstar Church, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
3413 Blue Springs Road NW, Kennesaw
Cobb County Civic Center, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
548 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta
Boots Ward Recreation Center, Lost Mountain Park, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
4845 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs.
Cobb Elections main office, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
736 Whitlock Ave., Marietta (West Park Government Center)
Political Forum for CCAE - Everyone Invited
Tomorrow evening the Cobb County Association of Educators is hosting a Political Forum for Cobb Candidates. We would like to invite EVERYONE to this event. Educators, all CCSD staff, parents, and students are welcome to attend and meet the candidates. Candidates will also be answering questions from the audience, so take this chance to ask YOUR questions about the future of education in Cobb. We would love to have students attend and engage in the political process. We are also looking for some student volunteers to help with the event, so if you have a class that you think would benefit from this experience, please let me know. We hope to see you there and bring a friend!
Campbell High School
Oct. 26th 5:30 pm
CCAE members that sign in will also receive a small gift for attending!
Campbell High School
Oct. 26th 5:30 pm
CCAE members that sign in will also receive a small gift for attending!
Focusing on The Right Work
Focusing on The Right Work wow, what great questions this writer asks!! Love his honesty about his work.
Peachtree City middle school meanness: Symptom of a culture gone awry or parents gone AWOL?
Peachtree City middle school meanness: Symptom of a culture gone awry or parents gone AWOL?
This is horrible! Students hurting others over the web is a serious problem. I recently became aware of a website created by parents that does the same thing to teachers and principals. Can you imagine a site devoted to complaining about school, by PARENTS! That shows some of what is wrong with our schools today, just go back to my old saying, "shut up or stand up". If you are willing to complain without leaving a name instead why don't you stand up and make a change. Go to the school and volunteer or if the problem is serious, go to the Principal or even the Area Superintendent. Don't hurt or insult others while hiding behind the cloak of the Internet!
This is horrible! Students hurting others over the web is a serious problem. I recently became aware of a website created by parents that does the same thing to teachers and principals. Can you imagine a site devoted to complaining about school, by PARENTS! That shows some of what is wrong with our schools today, just go back to my old saying, "shut up or stand up". If you are willing to complain without leaving a name instead why don't you stand up and make a change. Go to the school and volunteer or if the problem is serious, go to the Principal or even the Area Superintendent. Don't hurt or insult others while hiding behind the cloak of the Internet!
The Marietta Daily Journal - State House candidates differ on illegal entrants
The Marietta Daily Journal - State House candidates differ on illegal entrants
Stacey will be appearing at our Political Forum next Tuesday 10/26 at Campbell High School at 5pm. All the local Cobb candidates will be answering your questions regarding their views on education. Please plan to attend!
Stacey will be appearing at our Political Forum next Tuesday 10/26 at Campbell High School at 5pm. All the local Cobb candidates will be answering your questions regarding their views on education. Please plan to attend!
Political Forum for CCAE - Everyone Invited
Next Tuesday, October 26th, CCAE will hold it's first Political Forum for Cobb Candidates. The Candidates will answer questions regarding their views on education and educational issues facing Cobb and Georgia. Questions will be taken from the audience. Confirmed attendies include Represenatives Judy Manning, Pat Dooley, Alisha Thomas-Morgan, and Rich Golick, and candidates Stacey Evans, David Wilkerson, Diane Lore. Please come out, meet the Candidates, ask them the questions on your mind, and support CCAE and Public Education in Cobb.
Student-Led Conferences Benefit Parents, Kids
Student-Led Conferences Benefit Parents, Kids
I read this article with interest because today I have my 8th grader's student led conference. As a teacher, I have been doing student led conferences for a number of years, but this will be my first one as a parent. I have enjoyed having the students explain to their parents what their grades were and why they got that particular grade. I plan to enjoy watching my son explain to me why he got As on the math tests but zero's on the homework!
The method behind the conferences is just as important as the conference itself, a fact parents rarely know.Teaching the students to take responsibility for their grades, good and bad, is an important step towards adulthood. Students learn to analyse their grades and figure out what happened. Learning that just one zero can make a major difference is an eye opener for some students. If the teacher is good, you can also teach real world math with the process. Students have to understand averaging, percents, rounding, and a host of other things that suddenly leap out of the math book and into things that matter to them. Ah, real world applications, so touching!
So, I guess I am a proponent for student led conferencing at the middle and high school level. We need to get kids more involved in their grades and teach them responsibility, a thing that is in short supply in our world today. If your school isn't doing student led conferences, please contact one of the local schools who is and I am sure they will share forms, advice, and anything else you need to begin the process. I am personally aware of the following schools doing student led conferences, Griffin Middle School, Tapp Middle School, and now, Lovinggood Middle School. Come join them!
I read this article with interest because today I have my 8th grader's student led conference. As a teacher, I have been doing student led conferences for a number of years, but this will be my first one as a parent. I have enjoyed having the students explain to their parents what their grades were and why they got that particular grade. I plan to enjoy watching my son explain to me why he got As on the math tests but zero's on the homework!
The method behind the conferences is just as important as the conference itself, a fact parents rarely know.Teaching the students to take responsibility for their grades, good and bad, is an important step towards adulthood. Students learn to analyse their grades and figure out what happened. Learning that just one zero can make a major difference is an eye opener for some students. If the teacher is good, you can also teach real world math with the process. Students have to understand averaging, percents, rounding, and a host of other things that suddenly leap out of the math book and into things that matter to them. Ah, real world applications, so touching!
So, I guess I am a proponent for student led conferencing at the middle and high school level. We need to get kids more involved in their grades and teach them responsibility, a thing that is in short supply in our world today. If your school isn't doing student led conferences, please contact one of the local schools who is and I am sure they will share forms, advice, and anything else you need to begin the process. I am personally aware of the following schools doing student led conferences, Griffin Middle School, Tapp Middle School, and now, Lovinggood Middle School. Come join them!
GBI agents begin paying visits on Atlanta schools | ajc.com
GBI agents begin paying visits on Atlanta schools ajc.com
Great, now teachers have to deal with law enforcement questioning. I don't think this was in the job description!
Great, now teachers have to deal with law enforcement questioning. I don't think this was in the job description!
State School Board Meeting
The State Board of Education met Thursday and recommended that the following rules be repealed and a new rule be initiated:
The Board stated that repeal of the above rules supports Goal 6 of their Strategic Plan—making policies that ensure maximum academic and financial accountability. The Board is proposing that one rule be initiated (SBOE rule 160-5-2-.05 – Experience for Salary Purposes) that provides local school systems more clarity in determining placement of certified personnel on the State Salary Schedule, salaries and supplements for math and science teachers, and creditable experience for certified personnel working in a charter school or a school operating under an Investing in Educational Excellence (IE2) contract.
§ An educator who possessed a leadership degree prior to July 1, 2010; or
§ An educator possessed a master’s level leadership degree prior to July 1, 2012; or
§ An educator possessed a specialist level leadership degree prior to July 1, 2013; or
§ An educator possessed a doctoral level leadership degree prior to July 1, 2014 as long as the individual was enrolled in such leadership preparation program on or before April 1, 2009.
In other action, it was recommended for adoption Rule 160-5-1-.02 – School Day and School Year for Students and Employees. This rule provides more flexibility to local boards of education in determining the minimum daily instruction time for students, minimum school year for students (180 days or its equivalent) and minimum workday for all employees.
Please know that GAE will be working to protect your salary and position on salary schedule. More details regarding GAE’s position and timelines will be forthcoming.
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Georgia Department of Education Summary of Proposed New Rule – SBOE Rule 160-5-2-.05 EXPERIENCE FOR SALARY PURPOSES Brad Bryant, State Superintendent of Schools October 6, 2010 · Page 1 of 1 During the 2009 and 2010 legislative sessions, the Georgia General Assembly amended O.C.G.A. §20-2-212 and O.C.G.A. § 20-2-212.5 which stipulated the placement of leadership, and math or science certified personnel on the State Salary Schedule. The proposed Rule 160-5-2-.05 EXPERIENCE FOR SALARY PURPOSES brings two current State Board of Education rules into compliance with the amended O.C.G.A §20-2-212 and O.C.G.A. § 20-2-212.5.
The following rules will be recommended for repeal concurrently with the adoption of the proposed new rule:
Section (1) Definitions – The proposed language in this subsection includes relevant definitions from the two rules proposed for repeal and additional definitions to provide further clarification and alignment with Professional Standards Commission terminology.
Section (2) Requirements – The proposed language in this subsection includes relevant requirements from rules proposed for repeal and the following changes or additions:
1. Certified personnel shall earn one creditable year of experience for working in an LUA charter school or a school operating under a contract pursuant to IE2.
2. Secondary teachers in a local school system who are certified in mathematics or science by the PSC and teach secondary mathematics or science any portion of the work day shall be moved to the Salary Step on the State Salary Schedule that is applicable to a teacher with six creditable years of experience.
3. An individual holding a PSC issued leadership certificate issued on or after July 1, 2010 shall only be placed on the salary level of the State Salary Schedule attributed to the leadership degree if the individual is employed by the LUA and serves in a leadership position. This does not apply, regardless of whether or not the individual is in a leadership position if the following conditions exist:
(a) An educator who possessed a leadership degree prior to July 1, 2010; or
(b) An educator possessed a master’s level leadership degree prior to July 1, 2012; or
(c) An educator possessed a specialist level leadership degree prior to July 1, 2013; or
(d) An educator possessed a doctoral level leadership degree prior to July 1, 2014 as long as the individual was enrolled in such leadership preparation program on or before April 1, 2009.
4. On and after July 1, 2010 the LUA shall pay a state supplement of $1000 per endorsement to individuals who hold a PSC teaching certificate grades K-5 with endorsement in mathematics, science or both for each year such endorsement is in effect up to a maximum of five years. After five years, such individual shall continue to receive the $1000 supplement provided he or she meets or exceeds student achievement criteria established by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.
- Repeal Rule 160-5-2-.04 State Salaries and Supplements
- Repeal Rule 160-5-2-.05 Experience for Salary Purposes
Rationale
These rules are being repealed to comply with legislation passed in 2009 and 2010 (House Bills 455 and 923) related to certified staff possessing leadership degrees and House Bill 280 related to salaries and supplements for math and science teachers. Additionally the proposed new rule aligns with changes in the Professional Standards Commission (PSC) rules.
Highlights of proposed rule 160-5-2-.05 – Experience for Salary Purposes (see the SBOE summary below) include:
- Secondary teachers in a local school system who are certified in mathematics or science by the PSC and teach secondary mathematics or science any portion of the work day shall be moved to the Salary Step on the State Salary Schedule that is applicable to a teacher with six creditable years of experience;
- An individual holding a PSC issued leadership certificate issued on or after July 1, 2010 shall only be placed on the salary level of the State Salary Schedule attributed to the leadership degree if the individual is employed and serves in a leadership position. This does not apply, regardless of whether or not the individual is in a leadership position if the following conditions exist:
- State supplement of $1,000 (contingent upon funding) per endorsement in mathematics, science to those who hold K-5 certification - up to a maximum of five years
SBOE Rule 160-5-2-.04 STATE SALARIES AND SUPPLEMENTS
SBOE Rule 160-5-2-.05 EXPERIENCE FOR SALARIES
The proposed new rule includes the following changes and/or additions:
Teacher who watched Obama sign Ed Jobs bill is laid off
toledoblade.com -- The Blade ~ Toledo Ohio
Oh the irony, the teacher who watched President Obama sign into law the Ed Jobs bill, is laid off from her teaching job.
Oh the irony, the teacher who watched President Obama sign into law the Ed Jobs bill, is laid off from her teaching job.
School study sees benefits in economic integration
In a recent article in the Washington Post, "Low-income students in Montgomery County performed better when they attended affluent elementary schools instead of ones with higher concentrations of poverty, according to a new study that suggests economic integration is a powerful but neglected school-reform tool."
As I read the article, I thought about the concept. I am not surprised that putting kids in a "richer" school helped them do better. What I had to really think about is why? Why do I put my kids at Lovinggood instead of a lower socioeconomic school. (trying to not to name a school and make anyone mad!) The obvious reason is the test scores are better at Lovinggood but it goes deeper than that.
First, the students behave differently. When I go to Lovinggood and watch class change it amazes me. Sure, the kids talk, kid around, and horseplay some, but it is so unlike what I am used to teaching in a Title One school. There is no cursing, no obvious threats to others, no talk of sex or loud sexual comments, and most interestingly, not the same clothes. Now you ask, what do the clothes have to do with it? Well, at my former school I was the morning dress code inspector. I stood right where the kids entered and made sure no one was too far out of dress code. Not a day went by that I didn't have to comment on short skirts, ripped jeans with too much showing, shirts with inappropriate words/pictures (drugs, alcohol, or sex), or tops that were way to tight or low cut. I see none of this at Lovinggood. Maybe they have weeded them out, but I don't even see borderline dress issues. What is this a deeper reflection of?
"Researchers say that poor schools often struggle because they tend to attract rotating staffs of less-experienced teachers and administrators, among other problems. Schools with lower levels of poverty have a range of benefits that include more stable staffs, fewer discipline problems and more support from volunteers. Parents who have one job instead of three also have an easier time being involved. And expectations are usually higher."
So poor schools have more discipline problems. Why? Is it the poverty itself or something more? Interesting question...
I do agree that poor schools have greater staff turnover, check how many teachers leave a school in south Cobb versus a school like Still Elementary which has almost no turnover. Why do teachers leave faster at the lower socioeconomic schools? Is the stress greater? Is it harder to teach? Is there less support from parents and administrators? Are the kids' problems, attention and learning needs greater making the job harder? Or is it that seniority means you get a chance to transfer out of these schools to a so called "good" school? I think probably a combination of all these is to blame.
The article goes on to discuss that our current trend in school reform is to try to "fix" low socioeconomic schools but what if the cure is to bus those students to higher economic schools? Mix it up so that all the poor kids aren't clustered at a couple of schools but spread out at all the schools making them a small percentage of the school populations? Busing has a nasty history and I am not sure you can ever look at busing without the old stigma coming into play. The other problem with this plan is parents. Think back to the nasty fight when they were trying to draw the district lines between McEachern and Hillgrove. That fight was between the haves and the have nots. How willing are the more well to do students' parents to having the "poor" kids bussed into their schools? Not very, I think.
So what is the answer? I don't assume that I have it, but I am interested in this research and would like to see if it can be replicated in other areas.
As I read the article, I thought about the concept. I am not surprised that putting kids in a "richer" school helped them do better. What I had to really think about is why? Why do I put my kids at Lovinggood instead of a lower socioeconomic school. (trying to not to name a school and make anyone mad!) The obvious reason is the test scores are better at Lovinggood but it goes deeper than that.
First, the students behave differently. When I go to Lovinggood and watch class change it amazes me. Sure, the kids talk, kid around, and horseplay some, but it is so unlike what I am used to teaching in a Title One school. There is no cursing, no obvious threats to others, no talk of sex or loud sexual comments, and most interestingly, not the same clothes. Now you ask, what do the clothes have to do with it? Well, at my former school I was the morning dress code inspector. I stood right where the kids entered and made sure no one was too far out of dress code. Not a day went by that I didn't have to comment on short skirts, ripped jeans with too much showing, shirts with inappropriate words/pictures (drugs, alcohol, or sex), or tops that were way to tight or low cut. I see none of this at Lovinggood. Maybe they have weeded them out, but I don't even see borderline dress issues. What is this a deeper reflection of?
"Researchers say that poor schools often struggle because they tend to attract rotating staffs of less-experienced teachers and administrators, among other problems. Schools with lower levels of poverty have a range of benefits that include more stable staffs, fewer discipline problems and more support from volunteers. Parents who have one job instead of three also have an easier time being involved. And expectations are usually higher."
So poor schools have more discipline problems. Why? Is it the poverty itself or something more? Interesting question...
I do agree that poor schools have greater staff turnover, check how many teachers leave a school in south Cobb versus a school like Still Elementary which has almost no turnover. Why do teachers leave faster at the lower socioeconomic schools? Is the stress greater? Is it harder to teach? Is there less support from parents and administrators? Are the kids' problems, attention and learning needs greater making the job harder? Or is it that seniority means you get a chance to transfer out of these schools to a so called "good" school? I think probably a combination of all these is to blame.
The article goes on to discuss that our current trend in school reform is to try to "fix" low socioeconomic schools but what if the cure is to bus those students to higher economic schools? Mix it up so that all the poor kids aren't clustered at a couple of schools but spread out at all the schools making them a small percentage of the school populations? Busing has a nasty history and I am not sure you can ever look at busing without the old stigma coming into play. The other problem with this plan is parents. Think back to the nasty fight when they were trying to draw the district lines between McEachern and Hillgrove. That fight was between the haves and the have nots. How willing are the more well to do students' parents to having the "poor" kids bussed into their schools? Not very, I think.
So what is the answer? I don't assume that I have it, but I am interested in this research and would like to see if it can be replicated in other areas.
The Marietta Daily Journal - Newcomer challenges S E Cobb incumbent
The Marietta Daily Journal - Newcomer challenges S E Cobb incumbent
I am stepping carefully here, but I feel compelled to discuss the school board races in Cobb. Last night I attended a Candidates' Forum at Walton High School between Scott Sweeny and Dr. Rick Welkis. I was appalled at how few people turned out. Then I read an article in the AJC that said that fewer than 20% of the voters turn out for school board races! In Cobb, the school board controls around a billion dollars when you add their budget and the SPLOST money! More importantly, they control the education of our children. I would think this is enough of a impetus to make people care, but last night showed me that I could be wrong. We are all invested in some way to our school system. Parents, children, teachers, employees, taxpayers, businesses, and homeowners. Surely we all fall into one or more of these categories, so we should care who is on that board. Please get involved, research the candidates, and for gosh sakes, VOTE!!!
I am stepping carefully here, but I feel compelled to discuss the school board races in Cobb. Last night I attended a Candidates' Forum at Walton High School between Scott Sweeny and Dr. Rick Welkis. I was appalled at how few people turned out. Then I read an article in the AJC that said that fewer than 20% of the voters turn out for school board races! In Cobb, the school board controls around a billion dollars when you add their budget and the SPLOST money! More importantly, they control the education of our children. I would think this is enough of a impetus to make people care, but last night showed me that I could be wrong. We are all invested in some way to our school system. Parents, children, teachers, employees, taxpayers, businesses, and homeowners. Surely we all fall into one or more of these categories, so we should care who is on that board. Please get involved, research the candidates, and for gosh sakes, VOTE!!!
Michelle Rhee Resigns as D.C. Schools Chancellor
Michelle Rhee Resigns as D.C. Schools Chancellor
So now that Rhee is out in DC, what will happen to her uber reform movement? Don't get me wrong, I believe our system needs reform, but blaming everything on the teachers, threatening them, and pay for performance isn't the answer. Unfortunately, some parents and outsiders believe that reform should include making teachers try harder, firing all the bad teachers, and saying that teachers who are good can fix everything that impacts student learning and performance. Last night at a school board candidates' forum, I heard a parent say that Cobb needs to hire Rhee as our new superintendent to come down here and clean up. OMG! As a classroom teacher, I have seen how hard most teachers are working, and threatening them isn't going to make them better. In fact, some principals are trying that method right now, at least from the calls we are getting at CCAE, and it is increasing the tension levels and lowering the moral of teachers. Neither of which is good for schools or students. Good teachers are the first to want to fire bad teachers, but often the firing isn't based on how good a teacher is, it is based on the subjective opinions of administrators. I personally was a great teacher one year, but when I got a new principal the next year, I became a bad teacher. I don't believe I under went a sudden transformation, I believe the viewpoints and expectations of the old principal and the new one were vastly different. So a teacher can be good but not fit what that particular principal wants. I know that in Georgia we don't have unions, thank you "right to work", but as President of what would be a union in another state, all I want is every teacher, every employee, to be treated fair and to have their rights protected. We don't want to protect bad teachers, we just believe everyone deserves a fair shake. So what is the answer? Reform has to come but what that reform looks like is a hotly debated topic. Please weigh in with what you think reform should look like....
So now that Rhee is out in DC, what will happen to her uber reform movement? Don't get me wrong, I believe our system needs reform, but blaming everything on the teachers, threatening them, and pay for performance isn't the answer. Unfortunately, some parents and outsiders believe that reform should include making teachers try harder, firing all the bad teachers, and saying that teachers who are good can fix everything that impacts student learning and performance. Last night at a school board candidates' forum, I heard a parent say that Cobb needs to hire Rhee as our new superintendent to come down here and clean up. OMG! As a classroom teacher, I have seen how hard most teachers are working, and threatening them isn't going to make them better. In fact, some principals are trying that method right now, at least from the calls we are getting at CCAE, and it is increasing the tension levels and lowering the moral of teachers. Neither of which is good for schools or students. Good teachers are the first to want to fire bad teachers, but often the firing isn't based on how good a teacher is, it is based on the subjective opinions of administrators. I personally was a great teacher one year, but when I got a new principal the next year, I became a bad teacher. I don't believe I under went a sudden transformation, I believe the viewpoints and expectations of the old principal and the new one were vastly different. So a teacher can be good but not fit what that particular principal wants. I know that in Georgia we don't have unions, thank you "right to work", but as President of what would be a union in another state, all I want is every teacher, every employee, to be treated fair and to have their rights protected. We don't want to protect bad teachers, we just believe everyone deserves a fair shake. So what is the answer? Reform has to come but what that reform looks like is a hotly debated topic. Please weigh in with what you think reform should look like....
Save the Date for Pat Dooley Rally
Please save October 28th
Join Us for a Rally for Represenative Pat Dooley
The rally will be on Oct. 28 from 4-7 at Northwest Exterminating, 830 Kennesaw Ave., Marietta, GA 30060
https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=c7f5dc7a6d&view=att&th=12ba13685b14dd14&attid=0.1&disp=attd
Join Us for a Rally for Represenative Pat Dooley
The rally will be on Oct. 28 from 4-7 at Northwest Exterminating, 830 Kennesaw Ave., Marietta, GA 30060
https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=c7f5dc7a6d&view=att&th=12ba13685b14dd14&attid=0.1&disp=attd
Supreme Court: Can the state create and fund charter schools over objections of local boards of education?
Supreme Court: Can the state create and fund charter schools over objections of local boards of education?
This is an important issue. The state thinks it knows what is better for local school districts than the districts themselves. If a local district does not approve a charter school, that should be the last word on the subject. The state should not be able legally to step in an obligate money, local, state, or federal, to a charter school. Please urge any/all politicians you come in contact with to oppose this practice.
This is an important issue. The state thinks it knows what is better for local school districts than the districts themselves. If a local district does not approve a charter school, that should be the last word on the subject. The state should not be able legally to step in an obligate money, local, state, or federal, to a charter school. Please urge any/all politicians you come in contact with to oppose this practice.
Bringing the 4 Rs to Teacher & Principal Evaluation
Bringing the 4 Rs to Teacher & Principal Evaluation
In reading this article, I found a lot of good ideas about how to make evaluations more of a working document that shows actual growth. A couple of the ideas:
Rigor - a 2005 study in Illinois found that only 17% of the school districts had given ANY teacher an unsatisfactory!! Really? That doesn't happen here in Cobb, but the article talks about making sure the rigor is real because giving a bad teacher the same rating as a good teacher demeans the hard work a good teacher does. This really applies to the "emerging" standard on our evaluation. How can a teacher of the year and a teacher who is just sitting watching kids both be emerging?
Relevance - This is the area I found particularly interesting. The article discusses teachers setting their own goals, ones that are meaningful and relevant to them but still align to the standards set by the district. Wow, what a great idea! The article also says that if teachers can work as a group or team, setting up identical or similar goals, then the relevance goes up even more. I would love to see teachers sitting down and deciding what some of their evaluation goals would be. I know as a special education reading teacher I could have written one about maintaining pre-test, middle, and post-test data on all my students. Another goal could have been to raise the reading level of the group by one grade level. These are goals that would have been meaningful, measurable and relevant to me and ones that I would have been comfortable being rated on. Teachers would be more involved and have greater buy in if this process was used.
Relationships - One of the things I hear most about evaluations is that teachers don't feel that the administrator evaluation them really knows them and the classroom they teach in. How can someone who you only see once for 30 minutes really understand and rate you? What if they don't understand what you even teach? (that one happened to me!) This article discusses administrators having real relationships, not friendships, with the people they evaluate. Maybe Cobb could require multiple classroom observations? I like this idea, but I am not sure how much time administrators have to visit all the classroom teachers they evaluate. I do thing that having someone who actually knows you and what you teach is important.
Results - In the past, results of our evaluations were negligible. Nothing really happened to you if you got a fantastic evaluation or a middle of the road evaluation. That changed last year when for the first time, without warning, teachers were fired based on evaluations. That changed how teachers viewed the evaluations from a necessary inconvenience to a criminal trial. Neither view point is helpful. Teachers should not fear evaluations, they should welcome them as methods to help them grow. Teachers should view evaluations the way we tell students to view pre-tests, as a measure of what we already know and what areas we need to grow in. Here's an idea, what if we did three evaluations a year? A start of the year evaluation where we set goals with our administrators and maybe even our team teachers, a mid year evaluation to see where we are going right and what we need to improve on, and an end of the year evaluation that has meaning, isn't a big surprise, and truly reflects our job as a teacher. Cobb County are you listening???
In reading this article, I found a lot of good ideas about how to make evaluations more of a working document that shows actual growth. A couple of the ideas:
Rigor - a 2005 study in Illinois found that only 17% of the school districts had given ANY teacher an unsatisfactory!! Really? That doesn't happen here in Cobb, but the article talks about making sure the rigor is real because giving a bad teacher the same rating as a good teacher demeans the hard work a good teacher does. This really applies to the "emerging" standard on our evaluation. How can a teacher of the year and a teacher who is just sitting watching kids both be emerging?
Relevance - This is the area I found particularly interesting. The article discusses teachers setting their own goals, ones that are meaningful and relevant to them but still align to the standards set by the district. Wow, what a great idea! The article also says that if teachers can work as a group or team, setting up identical or similar goals, then the relevance goes up even more. I would love to see teachers sitting down and deciding what some of their evaluation goals would be. I know as a special education reading teacher I could have written one about maintaining pre-test, middle, and post-test data on all my students. Another goal could have been to raise the reading level of the group by one grade level. These are goals that would have been meaningful, measurable and relevant to me and ones that I would have been comfortable being rated on. Teachers would be more involved and have greater buy in if this process was used.
Relationships - One of the things I hear most about evaluations is that teachers don't feel that the administrator evaluation them really knows them and the classroom they teach in. How can someone who you only see once for 30 minutes really understand and rate you? What if they don't understand what you even teach? (that one happened to me!) This article discusses administrators having real relationships, not friendships, with the people they evaluate. Maybe Cobb could require multiple classroom observations? I like this idea, but I am not sure how much time administrators have to visit all the classroom teachers they evaluate. I do thing that having someone who actually knows you and what you teach is important.
Results - In the past, results of our evaluations were negligible. Nothing really happened to you if you got a fantastic evaluation or a middle of the road evaluation. That changed last year when for the first time, without warning, teachers were fired based on evaluations. That changed how teachers viewed the evaluations from a necessary inconvenience to a criminal trial. Neither view point is helpful. Teachers should not fear evaluations, they should welcome them as methods to help them grow. Teachers should view evaluations the way we tell students to view pre-tests, as a measure of what we already know and what areas we need to grow in. Here's an idea, what if we did three evaluations a year? A start of the year evaluation where we set goals with our administrators and maybe even our team teachers, a mid year evaluation to see where we are going right and what we need to improve on, and an end of the year evaluation that has meaning, isn't a big surprise, and truly reflects our job as a teacher. Cobb County are you listening???
Cobb residents asked to participate in superintendent search panels | ajc.com
Cobb residents asked to participate in superintendent search panels ajc.com
Please apply if you live in Cobb, we need to have people in these focus groups that understand what is REALLY needed in a superintendent.
Please apply if you live in Cobb, we need to have people in these focus groups that understand what is REALLY needed in a superintendent.
School board report card: Cobb County | ajc.com
School board report card: Cobb County ajc.com
Please take a look and be informed. Knowledge is power!
Please take a look and be informed. Knowledge is power!
Get Involved!!! School Board Candidate Forum
Our endorsed school board candidate Scott Sweeney will be appearing at a candidate forum tomorrow evening at Walton High School. The doors open at 6:30 and the debate begins at 7pm. We are asking everyone that can to attend and wear RED for CCAE. If you attend, I will have a limited number of shirts for you for attending. I will also have another gift for you! Please come out and show our support for our endorsed candidate, and more importantly, let's show everyone that CCAE is watching!!
Study Links Video Game Dancing to Drop in Tardiness
I love this article and idea! When a school in New Mexico started every day with kids dancing to a Wii game, tardiness went down! What a great way to get kids fit, blood flowing and brain turned on, and fight tardiness!! Humm, wonder if this works for teachers (meaning me!).
http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/fitness/2010-10-11-justdance11_CV_N.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/fitness/2010-10-11-justdance11_CV_N.htm
Political Endorsements
Senate District
21 Chip Rogers
32 Judson Hill
6 Doug Stoner
33 Steve Thompson
37 Lindsey Tippens
House Districts
32 Judy Manning
33 David Wilkerson
34 Rich Golick
37 Terry Johnson
38 Pat Dooley
40 Stacey Evans
42 Don Parsons
44 Sheila Jones
21 Chip Rogers
32 Judson Hill
6 Doug Stoner
33 Steve Thompson
37 Lindsey Tippens
House Districts
32 Judy Manning
33 David Wilkerson
34 Rich Golick
37 Terry Johnson
38 Pat Dooley
40 Stacey Evans
42 Don Parsons
44 Sheila Jones
How to avoid committing social media gaffes
How to avoid committing social media gaffes
This article is great. One of the problems we are seeing again and again this year is teachers getting in trouble for their social media pages. Please remember your facebook/myspace/dating sites can be found by parents and students. Even administrators are googling their teachers to see what they are doing. BE AWARE!
This article is great. One of the problems we are seeing again and again this year is teachers getting in trouble for their social media pages. Please remember your facebook/myspace/dating sites can be found by parents and students. Even administrators are googling their teachers to see what they are doing. BE AWARE!
Friends of Stacey Evans Opportunity to Help
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your continued support of the campaign. We are on our way to victory thanks to you!
Please join us this week for our Phone Banking Bonanza! We'll be calling into the district to identify Evans supporters. There are 4 opportunities to participate at 2 different locations. I hope you can join us:
Tuesday, October 5th at 6pm
Thursday, October 7th at 6pm
Home of Jason Chitwood
323 Heritage Park Trace
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Tuesday, October 5th at 6pm
Wednesday, October 6th at 6pm
Bryan Cave Powell Goldstein*
1201 West Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30309
*Parking is available in the building deck across the street, but is cheaper in surrounding surface lots.
If you can make it to any of these times (even if for only part of the time), please contact Jonae Wartel at jonae.wartel@gmail.com or (770) 653-9789.
If you can't help this week, but would like to volunteer for the campaign another time, please visit our website and fill out a volunteer form. With your help we will win this race!
Thank you!
Thank you for your continued support of the campaign. We are on our way to victory thanks to you!
Please join us this week for our Phone Banking Bonanza! We'll be calling into the district to identify Evans supporters. There are 4 opportunities to participate at 2 different locations. I hope you can join us:
Tuesday, October 5th at 6pm
Thursday, October 7th at 6pm
Home of Jason Chitwood
323 Heritage Park Trace
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Tuesday, October 5th at 6pm
Wednesday, October 6th at 6pm
Bryan Cave Powell Goldstein*
1201 West Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30309
*Parking is available in the building deck across the street, but is cheaper in surrounding surface lots.
If you can make it to any of these times (even if for only part of the time), please contact Jonae Wartel at jonae.wartel@gmail.com or (770) 653-9789.
If you can't help this week, but would like to volunteer for the campaign another time, please visit our website and fill out a volunteer form. With your help we will win this race!
Thank you!
NEA Member Benefits - Check it Out
Immediate Member Savings Available
Some of the greatest money-savings benefits are only available to members who are registered on NEA Member Benefits.
Go to neamb.com/value today to take full advantage of hundreds of dollars in additional savings.
Even if you have already registered, you may not know about all of these important benefits:
• For you and your family — apparel, electronics, cars, travel and more
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Why not join the more than 800,000 NEA members who are already experiencing the value of NEA Member Benefits?
Visit neamb.com/value today to take advantage of all the money-saving opportunities available to you.
Some of the greatest money-savings benefits are only available to members who are registered on NEA Member Benefits.
Go to neamb.com/value today to take full advantage of hundreds of dollars in additional savings.
Even if you have already registered, you may not know about all of these important benefits:
• For you and your family — apparel, electronics, cars, travel and more
• For your classroom — school supplies, lesson plans, grants and more
• For your financial well-being — loans, credit cards, insurance, retirement tools, online Master's degree programs and more
Why not join the more than 800,000 NEA members who are already experiencing the value of NEA Member Benefits?
Visit neamb.com/value today to take advantage of all the money-saving opportunities available to you.
PAT DOOLEY OPEN HOUSE
Calling all CCAE members!! We endorsed candidate Pat Dooley of Marietta for the Georgia House of Representatives. If you haven't gotten a chance to meet Pat or hear how much she cares about education in Cobb, please take this chance! She is hosting an open house on October 28th at Northwest Exterminating from 4pm to 7pm. The office is located at 830 Kennesaw Ave. Marietta, 30060. I will be there and hope to see lots of you there. Please call her campaign at (770)422-7954 if you have questions.
Sen. Jim DeMint: Gays And Unmarried, Pregnant Women Should Not Teach Public School
Sen. Jim DeMint: Gays And Unmarried, Pregnant Women Should Not Teach Public School
This guy is so offensive, I can't believe he is an elected official!!
This guy is so offensive, I can't believe he is an elected official!!
Teachers in it "For the Money"
There was a piece on, I think it was, the NBC morning show today about teachers. I only caught a brief part where someone was saying some teachers are "in it for the money".
I have never met that teacher. Would you please identify yourself!?
I guess facts do not get in the way of teacher bashing by some folks.
FACT: (emphasis added)
Here are the worst paying college degrees:
College Degrees Starting Salary Mid-career median salary
Social Work $33,400 $41,600
Elementary Education $33,000 $42,400
Theology $34,800 $51,500
Music $34,000 $52,000
Spanish $35,600 $52,600
Horticulture $37,200 $53,400
Education $36,200 $54,100
Hospitality/Tourism $37,000 $54,300
Fine Arts $35,800 $56,300
Drama $35,600 $56,600
Source: http://moneywatch.bnet.com/saving-money/blog/college-solution/the-best-and-worst-college-degrees-by-salary/577/
I have never met that teacher. Would you please identify yourself!?
I guess facts do not get in the way of teacher bashing by some folks.
FACT: (emphasis added)
Here are the worst paying college degrees:
College Degrees Starting Salary Mid-career median salary
Social Work $33,400 $41,600
Elementary Education $33,000 $42,400
Theology $34,800 $51,500
Music $34,000 $52,000
Spanish $35,600 $52,600
Horticulture $37,200 $53,400
Education $36,200 $54,100
Hospitality/Tourism $37,000 $54,300
Fine Arts $35,800 $56,300
Drama $35,600 $56,600
Source: http://moneywatch.bnet.com/saving-money/blog/college-solution/the-best-and-worst-college-degrees-by-salary/577/
What "Superman" got wrong
An excellent article from the Washington Post
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/guest-bloggers/what-superman-got-wrong-point.html
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/guest-bloggers/what-superman-got-wrong-point.html
Obama: Money without reform won't fix school system
Speaking to TODAY's Matt Lauer in the Green Room of the White House for nearly 30 minutes, President Obama said that additional funding tied to significant reforms - including a longer school year and lifting teaching as a profession - is a much-needed fix.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/39378576/from/toolbar
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/39378576/from/toolbar
School Board Meeting Minutes 9/16
Hi everyone, here are the minutes of last nights board meeting. It was a pretty uneventful meeting.
The meeting began with public comment. Myself and one other person spoke. I challenged the board members to become a teacher for a day as part of the Cobb Chamber's program to bring people into the schools to see first hand what difficult work being a teacher is!! I think this program is a great step and I would like to see Politicians become teachers for a day in some of the tougher Cobb schools. I would love to see them teach at Griffin Middle School (my school) or at South Cobb High School, or even Lindley. Then they would learn much more about the realities of teaching! I encourage parents, civic leaders and business owners to look into the program. Ok, back off my soapbox!!
Next the Facilities and Technology committee made their annual report. This committee is set up as an oversight committee for the SPLOST funds. They review the expenditures and make sure they are in line with the original SPLOST notebooks. They reported that the new in-house program management is working out well. It is saving the district money and seems to be improving communication on projects.
The new lawyer, Clem Doyle, made his report on the board's request regarding having the Georgia State School Board Association do the superintendent search. The original proposal by the GSBA was a 17 step plan at a cost of $15,000. The board asked for a new proposal to only do parts of the search. The new quote was $5,000, depending on how many candidates the board wanted background checks ran on. No commitment has been made with GSBA yet by the board and the decision was tabled until October.
Superintendent Sanderson made his report. He discussed the upcoming public safety week. He thanked all the men and women who serve Cobb as police and firefighters. The board voted to uphold the hearing decision regarding a student who had disciplinary issues. The consent agenda from the earlier meeting was approved. Superintendent presented the plan to renovate Pine Mountain Middle School. The plan was originally projected to cost $13.3 million dollars but is now going to run just $6 million. The board approved the plan and the project will move forward. The The board discussed the the new SPLOST forecast and the 20% cut across the board to all the projects. All projects above $200,000 will have to come back to the board for individual approval but the general plan was approved. That ended the Superintendent's report.
Jay Dillon presented the September report and no changes were made.
The board members made comments. John Crooks praised Patty Thomas, principal of Sedalia Park Elementary for the school gaining approval to continue their status as a charter school. David Morgan reminded everyone of his upcoming monthly town meeting at South Cobb High School. Allison Bartlett reminded everyone of her upcoming town meeting at Russel Elementary on Thursday September 30th at 6pm. Holly Cash invited everyone to the new football field dedication at Osborne High School tonight at 6:30pm. Chairperson Crowder-Eagle announced her town meeting at Pine Mountain Middle School on September 28th at 6:30pm. She also congratulated the counselors at Sope Creek Elementary and Hillgrove High School for the RAMP program. David Banks congratulated the Lassiter Swim team. John Abraham asked the community to pray for the parents of recent Kell High School graduate Zack.
The meeting was adjourned.
The meeting began with public comment. Myself and one other person spoke. I challenged the board members to become a teacher for a day as part of the Cobb Chamber's program to bring people into the schools to see first hand what difficult work being a teacher is!! I think this program is a great step and I would like to see Politicians become teachers for a day in some of the tougher Cobb schools. I would love to see them teach at Griffin Middle School (my school) or at South Cobb High School, or even Lindley. Then they would learn much more about the realities of teaching! I encourage parents, civic leaders and business owners to look into the program. Ok, back off my soapbox!!
Next the Facilities and Technology committee made their annual report. This committee is set up as an oversight committee for the SPLOST funds. They review the expenditures and make sure they are in line with the original SPLOST notebooks. They reported that the new in-house program management is working out well. It is saving the district money and seems to be improving communication on projects.
The new lawyer, Clem Doyle, made his report on the board's request regarding having the Georgia State School Board Association do the superintendent search. The original proposal by the GSBA was a 17 step plan at a cost of $15,000. The board asked for a new proposal to only do parts of the search. The new quote was $5,000, depending on how many candidates the board wanted background checks ran on. No commitment has been made with GSBA yet by the board and the decision was tabled until October.
Superintendent Sanderson made his report. He discussed the upcoming public safety week. He thanked all the men and women who serve Cobb as police and firefighters. The board voted to uphold the hearing decision regarding a student who had disciplinary issues. The consent agenda from the earlier meeting was approved. Superintendent presented the plan to renovate Pine Mountain Middle School. The plan was originally projected to cost $13.3 million dollars but is now going to run just $6 million. The board approved the plan and the project will move forward. The The board discussed the the new SPLOST forecast and the 20% cut across the board to all the projects. All projects above $200,000 will have to come back to the board for individual approval but the general plan was approved. That ended the Superintendent's report.
Jay Dillon presented the September report and no changes were made.
The board members made comments. John Crooks praised Patty Thomas, principal of Sedalia Park Elementary for the school gaining approval to continue their status as a charter school. David Morgan reminded everyone of his upcoming monthly town meeting at South Cobb High School. Allison Bartlett reminded everyone of her upcoming town meeting at Russel Elementary on Thursday September 30th at 6pm. Holly Cash invited everyone to the new football field dedication at Osborne High School tonight at 6:30pm. Chairperson Crowder-Eagle announced her town meeting at Pine Mountain Middle School on September 28th at 6:30pm. She also congratulated the counselors at Sope Creek Elementary and Hillgrove High School for the RAMP program. David Banks congratulated the Lassiter Swim team. John Abraham asked the community to pray for the parents of recent Kell High School graduate Zack.
The meeting was adjourned.
Professional Development Offerings
Here are some current professional development opportunities from GAE. Please contact GAE if you are interested in attending.
Finding the Right Balance: The Ideal Learning Environment for Success”
October 23 and November 6
9am-3pm
Hampton Inn
4000 Watson Boulevard
Warner Robbins, GA 31093
“Special Education Strategies: Meeting the Challenges of Teaching
Students with Academic and Behavioral Difficulties”
September 25 and October 9 9am-3pmGAE HQ Board Room100 Crescent Centre Pkwy.Suite 500 Tucker, GA 30084
“Bullying Prevention Intervention Training”
October 2 and October 30
9am-3pm
GAE HQ Board Room
100 Crescent Centre Pkwy.
Suite 500
Tucker, GA 30084
Finding the Right Balance: The Ideal Learning Environment for Success”
October 23 and November 6
9am-3pm
Hampton Inn
4000 Watson Boulevard
Warner Robbins, GA 31093
“Special Education Strategies: Meeting the Challenges of Teaching
Students with Academic and Behavioral Difficulties”
September 25 and October 9 9am-3pmGAE HQ Board Room100 Crescent Centre Pkwy.Suite 500 Tucker, GA 30084
“Bullying Prevention Intervention Training”
October 2 and October 30
9am-3pm
GAE HQ Board Room
100 Crescent Centre Pkwy.
Suite 500
Tucker, GA 30084
The Myth of Superintendents as Hero
Don't look to Superintendents to fix everything, this is particularly good advice right now while Cobb conducts a search for a new Superintendent!
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/guest-bloggers/rhee-in-dc-the-myth-of-the-her.html
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/guest-bloggers/rhee-in-dc-the-myth-of-the-her.html
Superintendent Survey
As you already know, Superintendent Sanderson will be retiring after this year. In an effort to seek public input into what qualities the new superintendent should posses, the district has put a survey on their website. They will also be forming focus groups for input. Please consider applying for the focus groups, we should be vocal in what WE want to see in the next superintendent. I am providing the link to the survey and asking that you not only take the survey, but encourage your fellow staff members to take the survey. We have a unique opportunity to participate in the choice of a new superintendent. Thank you, please email me if you have any questions.
http://www.cobbk12.org/SuperintendentSurvey/
Connie Jackson
President, Cobb County Association of Educators
http://www.ccaepresident.blogspot.com/
conniejacksonccae@gmail.com
http://www.cobbk12.org/SuperintendentSurvey/
Connie Jackson
President, Cobb County Association of Educators
http://www.ccaepresident.blogspot.com/
conniejacksonccae@gmail.com
School Board Meeting Minutes 9/8 (sorry they are so long!!)
School Board Meeting 9/8 Report
All school board members were present for the morning work session
1. Alison Bartlett brought up paying for field trips again. She would like to see parents who don't pay for field trips have to personally talk to the Principal. The other board members did not like the idea and it was decided that they would seek input from the PTA.
2. The remaining money from installing artificial turf was discussed. Each high school was given $800,000 for the turf. The cost of installing the turf varied depending on the prior condition of the field. This lead to the "richer" schools costing less to install the turf. Kell high school was the lowest $550,000 and Osborne high school was the highest at $697,000. Board member Bartlett wanted all the excess money put into one pot and then given out equally to each school. David Banks disagreed and wanted each school to get whatever was left over from their $800,000.
3. The September board meeting was moved for the week we are off to next week on the 16th.
4. The search for a new superintendent was discussed. The board reviewed the proposal from the Georgia State School Board Association to conduct the search. Lynda Crowder-Eagle said that they had already done some of the steps and so it was not going to need all 17 steps. They asked that an itemized list of steps be brought back to the board. Holly Cash brought up that the law firm, Brock & Clay, had done the search in the past, why didn't they just have them do it. John Abraham up that that could be construed wrong to the public and Crowder-Eagle agreed. They will await the list from GSBA. The survey should be up and running right after the meeting. I was asked by Crowder-Eagle to facilitate teachers/parents finding out about the survey at my school visits and at my sons' schools. Jay Dillon and I agreed that I would link to it on our website and our blog. I will also tweet about the survey. Crowder-Eagle will notify the principals of my area schools that I will talk with them about facilitating the parents/staff taking the surveys. An application to be on the focus group will also be on the website. We will actively encourage members to apply to be in the focus groups.
5. The district's Strategic Plan was discussed at length. Data was given to each board member regarding the numbers. I was also given a copy. While the district did not meet it's overall target, there were bright spots. More students are enrolled in advanced content classes and AP classes. The number of students taking the ACT had risen. While all the data on graduation rates is not in, improvement had been seen. There was a significant growth in the number of students who passed the EOCT in math. How the targets are set was discussed. They are set based on the trends over the last several years. It was mentioned that Area Asst. Superintendents and Principals are evaluated on how their areas/schools did on the strategic plan. I am trying to get a copy of the evaluation form to check this. The new special education law regarding special education students on GAA getting diplomas will help raise the graduation rate. Holly Cash brought up that if a student does not graduate in 4 years they are considered a drop out but some take 5 years to graduate. She would like to see data on how many students take 5 years to finish. The board asked Dr. Jones to make the report more concise and shorter before the next meeting.
6. The board discussed the spending of the $20 million in Federal Education Jobs bill. Bartlett warned that the state might lower their funding amount due to the federal money. They also discussed Sanderson's recommendation to give the step raise and pay for 2 furlough days. He stated that he wanted to put money in every educators pocket right away and that the furlough pay did that. He also said he wanted to restore the step raise to get the teacher pay back to where it should be. He wants to carry forward the remaining balance to be able to adjust the budget for coming gaps passed down by the state. He is worried that we have not seen the end of budget cuts to education.
7. The new Human Growth & and Development curriculum was mentioned. It will go out for public comment.
8. The board approved the application from Sedalia Park to remain a charter school for the next 5 years.
9. Splost 3 money was awarded to renovate Pine Mountain Middle School. This will be on the next meetings' consent agenda. The contract for the renovation came in 50% under what was budgeted. 13 million was budgeted and the bid was for 6 million.
10. The board discussed the Splost 3 adjustments. They had KSU recalculate the money coming in to Splost and it was projected to be 26% less than what was originally thought. That was 800 million down to 586 million. In response, the allotments were cut 20% across the board. Flexibility is written into the Splost plan and it will be tracked and calculated. Due to the major construction savings at this time, the board discussed taking out a TAN - a tax anticipation note (a loan against future splost income). This would allow them to accelerate, or move up, the construction plans that they now have staggered over the next couple years. This means they would take out a loan for $62 million dollars that they project coming in from Splost, and use that money to do all the construction projects now. The cost of the TAN is around $200,000 dollars and the potential savings is around $15 million dollars. It was pointed out that this wold allow for savings, but would also put cobb people to work and generate jobs and stimulate cobb's economy. The projects that would be accelerated are listed on line. I will link to them on the blog.
11. The construction costs for Wheeler and Clarksdale were discussed. both have been fully funded out of the Splost 3 undesignated classroom fund. There was $14 million in the fund, $9 1/2 million went to Wheeler and $4 1/2 went to Clarksdale. The increase in the cost of Clarksdale was caused by the State decreasing the amount it would pay to help re-build Clarksdale. These projects took all the money that was in the undesignated classroom fund.
12. The personnel appointments and the board agenda for the next meeting were approved and the meeting adjourned.
All school board members were present for the morning work session
1. Alison Bartlett brought up paying for field trips again. She would like to see parents who don't pay for field trips have to personally talk to the Principal. The other board members did not like the idea and it was decided that they would seek input from the PTA.
2. The remaining money from installing artificial turf was discussed. Each high school was given $800,000 for the turf. The cost of installing the turf varied depending on the prior condition of the field. This lead to the "richer" schools costing less to install the turf. Kell high school was the lowest $550,000 and Osborne high school was the highest at $697,000. Board member Bartlett wanted all the excess money put into one pot and then given out equally to each school. David Banks disagreed and wanted each school to get whatever was left over from their $800,000.
3. The September board meeting was moved for the week we are off to next week on the 16th.
4. The search for a new superintendent was discussed. The board reviewed the proposal from the Georgia State School Board Association to conduct the search. Lynda Crowder-Eagle said that they had already done some of the steps and so it was not going to need all 17 steps. They asked that an itemized list of steps be brought back to the board. Holly Cash brought up that the law firm, Brock & Clay, had done the search in the past, why didn't they just have them do it. John Abraham up that that could be construed wrong to the public and Crowder-Eagle agreed. They will await the list from GSBA. The survey should be up and running right after the meeting. I was asked by Crowder-Eagle to facilitate teachers/parents finding out about the survey at my school visits and at my sons' schools. Jay Dillon and I agreed that I would link to it on our website and our blog. I will also tweet about the survey. Crowder-Eagle will notify the principals of my area schools that I will talk with them about facilitating the parents/staff taking the surveys. An application to be on the focus group will also be on the website. We will actively encourage members to apply to be in the focus groups.
5. The district's Strategic Plan was discussed at length. Data was given to each board member regarding the numbers. I was also given a copy. While the district did not meet it's overall target, there were bright spots. More students are enrolled in advanced content classes and AP classes. The number of students taking the ACT had risen. While all the data on graduation rates is not in, improvement had been seen. There was a significant growth in the number of students who passed the EOCT in math. How the targets are set was discussed. They are set based on the trends over the last several years. It was mentioned that Area Asst. Superintendents and Principals are evaluated on how their areas/schools did on the strategic plan. I am trying to get a copy of the evaluation form to check this. The new special education law regarding special education students on GAA getting diplomas will help raise the graduation rate. Holly Cash brought up that if a student does not graduate in 4 years they are considered a drop out but some take 5 years to graduate. She would like to see data on how many students take 5 years to finish. The board asked Dr. Jones to make the report more concise and shorter before the next meeting.
6. The board discussed the spending of the $20 million in Federal Education Jobs bill. Bartlett warned that the state might lower their funding amount due to the federal money. They also discussed Sanderson's recommendation to give the step raise and pay for 2 furlough days. He stated that he wanted to put money in every educators pocket right away and that the furlough pay did that. He also said he wanted to restore the step raise to get the teacher pay back to where it should be. He wants to carry forward the remaining balance to be able to adjust the budget for coming gaps passed down by the state. He is worried that we have not seen the end of budget cuts to education.
7. The new Human Growth & and Development curriculum was mentioned. It will go out for public comment.
8. The board approved the application from Sedalia Park to remain a charter school for the next 5 years.
9. Splost 3 money was awarded to renovate Pine Mountain Middle School. This will be on the next meetings' consent agenda. The contract for the renovation came in 50% under what was budgeted. 13 million was budgeted and the bid was for 6 million.
10. The board discussed the Splost 3 adjustments. They had KSU recalculate the money coming in to Splost and it was projected to be 26% less than what was originally thought. That was 800 million down to 586 million. In response, the allotments were cut 20% across the board. Flexibility is written into the Splost plan and it will be tracked and calculated. Due to the major construction savings at this time, the board discussed taking out a TAN - a tax anticipation note (a loan against future splost income). This would allow them to accelerate, or move up, the construction plans that they now have staggered over the next couple years. This means they would take out a loan for $62 million dollars that they project coming in from Splost, and use that money to do all the construction projects now. The cost of the TAN is around $200,000 dollars and the potential savings is around $15 million dollars. It was pointed out that this wold allow for savings, but would also put cobb people to work and generate jobs and stimulate cobb's economy. The projects that would be accelerated are listed on line. I will link to them on the blog.
11. The construction costs for Wheeler and Clarksdale were discussed. both have been fully funded out of the Splost 3 undesignated classroom fund. There was $14 million in the fund, $9 1/2 million went to Wheeler and $4 1/2 went to Clarksdale. The increase in the cost of Clarksdale was caused by the State decreasing the amount it would pay to help re-build Clarksdale. These projects took all the money that was in the undesignated classroom fund.
12. The personnel appointments and the board agenda for the next meeting were approved and the meeting adjourned.
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