SBE opts to readjust dashboard scoring after stakeholder input
Education California | The official newspaper of the Association of California School Administrators Volume 48 | Number 13 | November 20 , 2017
Val Verde Superintendent Michael McCormick testifies before the State Board of Education on the effects the California State Dashboard has on school districts .
SBE opts to readjust dashboard scoring after stakeholder input
The State Board of Education has readjusted performance standards in academic assessments for English Language Arts and mathematics as reported in the California State Dashboard . Scores this year took a slight drop , prompting concerns that too many schools would end up in the red designation and labeled as failing .
State Board President Mike Kirst said some volatility on scores should be expected in a new assessment , and this is not a desire to simply lower the bar .
ACSA supported the readjustment of scores and requested CDE better communicate to the field as to why scores showed up flat this year . ACSA Legislative Advocate Martha Alvarez noted the problem is with the lack of
Incivility in schools on the rise ; less likely with proactive leaders
Periodicals
Dated Material multiple years of data , as this is only the third year of results .
The move was not wholly supported by equity groups . The Equity Coalition expressed concerns that the readjustment would undermine public confidence in the accountability system .
Testifying on behalf of ACSA and school leaders were Barbara Short , superintendent of Arcata School District , and Michael McCormick , superintendent of Val Verde USD . Both testified on behalf of ACSA ’ s Accountability and Continuous Improvement Task Force . Each provided input on the new California School Dashboard and the state ’ s system of support for districts that need additional assistance to make student progress .
A recent report from the UCLA Institute for Democracy , Education and Access looks at the impact of Trump administration rhetoric and actions on high school students .
“ Teaching and Learning in the Age of Trump : Increasing Stress and Hostility in America ’ s High Schools ” considers the following questions :
• Have national political debates on topics such as immigration enforcement increased students ’ stress and heightened students ’ concerns about their well-being or the well-being of their families ?
• Have combative political dynamics at the national level contributed to incivility between students in schools and classrooms ?
• In what ways is student learning affected by heightened stress or incivility ?
• Do the impacts of the national political environment on student experiences differ depending on the demographics of the high schools they attend ?
Author John Rogers and his research team conducted a survey to answer those questions in May 2017 , during the first months of the Trump administration . The 1,535 teachers who responded to the survey teach in schools that are representative of public high schools in the United States in terms of student demographics and geographic location . The 10- to 15-minute survey asked multiple choice questions about student experiences during the period from January to May 2017 .
The survey included an optional openended question for teachers to write about their thoughts regarding how their “ classroom and school climate has changed this past year as a result of changes in national
See CIVILITY , page 3
SBE adopts inclusive textbooks
The State Board of Education voted to approve instructional materials for grades K-8 that teach California ’ s groundbreaking History / Social-Science Curriculum Framework .
“ I am proud California continues to lead the nation by teaching history-social science that is inclusive and recognizes the diversity of our great state and nation ,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson . “ Students will benefit enormously .”
The instructional materials are intended to give students a broader , deeper , and more accurate understanding of history and the social sciences , provide them with current research , and equip them with the critical thinking and research skills to make up their own minds about controversial issues .
“ They update the teaching and learning of history and social science and convey important new information about the challenges and contributions made by individuals and ethnic groups , members of the LGBT communities , and people with disabilities ,” Torlakson said . “ They recognize some individuals and groups who may not have been fully included in the past .”
The new material followed guidelines established by the FAIR Education Act , which the Legislature approved in 2011 to require including the contributions of various groups in the history of California and the United States . California became the first state to specifically mandate study of Native Americans , African Americans , Mexican Americans , Asian Americans , Pacific Islanders , European Americans , lesbian , gay , bisexual , and transgender Americans , persons with disabilities , and members of other ethnic and cultural groups , with particular emphasis on portraying the role of these groups in contemporary society .
A total of 10 instructional programs were approved by the SBE for K-8 history and social sciences after eight hours of testimony and testimony from nearly 500 speakers .
The new materials include :
• A new focus on civic engagement , which encourages and prepares students to be informed and involved in their local communities .
• A more complete picture of the accomplishments and challenges faced by LGBT individuals in American history and culture , including astronaut Sally Ride and comedian Ellen DeGeneres . Expanded coverage
See
TEXTBOOKS , page 2
The Negotiators ’ Symposium is right around the corner , less than two months away . Taking place Jan . 17-19 in San Diego , the symposium features a mix of interactive and workshop sessions , presented by practitioners , consultants and attorneys . Each session will offer information and provide insight into the issues and laws that confront HR departments .
And it ’ s important to note that a new pre-conference event will be included as part of the symposium . On Jan . 16 , the pre-conference event will gather together lead negotiators , bargaining team members , and communication directors . Led by experienced negotiators , this intense six-hour workshop provides an opportunity to hone
Women ’ s workshop . ACSA ’ s Opening Doors for Women in Leadership provides a forum to delve into the practices that marginalize women in leadership and the female staff / students we serve . Join the journey of one superintendent ’ s commitment and ability as the first woman leader in a large school district to ensure equity , access and inclusion for all members of the school and district communities . The workshop takes place Jan . 10 in Camarillo and Jan . 18 in Orinda . Go to www . acsa . org / trainings for more .
VP candidates . The National Association of Elementary School Principals Nominating Committee has announced nominees for NAESP vice president for the 2018 election . Candidates are Kimbrelle Barbosa Lewis of Memphis , Tenn . and Thomas Payton of Riverhead , N . Y . The nominees will now enter the campaign stage of the process , culminating with the election later this spring following the March 18-21 National Leaders Conference in Arlington , VA .
Future scholarship . Sparkling Ice ’ s new “ Flavorful Futures Scholarship ” application period runs through Feb . 15 . The program , specifically for high school seniors , celebrates individuality and creativity . Applications will be evaluated based on academic achievement , and on the creativity of submissions . Five $ 5,000 scholarships will be awarded . Visit www . sparklingice . com / scholarship .
Carnegie summit . The Carnegie Foundation hosted its first Summit on Improvement in Education in 2014 , creating a community of researchers and practitioners who use improvement science to make headway on some of the most persistent problems in our schools . April 3-5 , 2018 , just four years later , more than 1,400 members of that improvement community will convene in San Francisco . Find out more at www . carnegiefoundation . org .
New pre-conference event coming to Negotiators ’ Symposium
negotiation skills and develop best practices and strategies for successful negotiations .
Among the topics covered at the preconference event are :
• Understanding the current politics of your district .
• Establishing the best climate for negotiations .
• Assessing district needs and impact of CBAs : Improving programs and educational quality through negotiations .
• Building your negotiations team and preparation for bargaining .
• Communications during negotiations : Can we say that ? Can they say that ? Go to www . acsa . org / negotiatorssymposium for more information or to register .