NASBE State Ed SmartBrief

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February 28, 2013

News for Education Decisionmakers

State Board News

Mass. education board seeks improvements at Boston charter
The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted on Monday to place one of Boston's oldest charter schools, the Boston Renaissance Charter School, on probation for a second time since 2007 for sliding test scores. As part of its probation, the charter also will have an enrollment cap at 944 students and hire a consultant to develop a remediation plan. The Boston Globe (tiered subscription model) (2/25)

Ga. education board, governor aim to remove 6 local board members
The Georgia State Board of Education, along with Gov. Nathan Deal, have taken action to remove six members of the DeKalb County school board for issues that could lead to the district's loss of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Under state law, the board recommends the suspensions, which must be approved by the governor, who then appoints replacements. However, members of the DeKalb board have filed a legal challenge to the 2011 law that allows for their removal, which could delay the swearing in of their replacements. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution/Get Schooled blog (2/21) , The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2/25)

Trends & Technology

School districts use social media sites to communicate, engage
A growing number of school systems, including one in Frederick, Md., are using social media to engage with the public. Frederick County Public Schools recently launched a Facebook page, which allows officials to post news and information for parents, students and the public, who also may post comments. District officials say they plan to guard against potential threats or falsehoods that could be spread online. "It really requires extra vigilance," school system spokesman Michael Doerrer said. The Frederick News-Post (Md.) (2/26)

Policy & Legislation

Thousands of teachers' jobs on the line under sequestration
Teachers nationwide already have received pink slips ahead of federal sequestration -- across-the-board budget cuts expected to take place Friday. A report from the White House shows that thousands of teachers' jobs could be eliminated nationwide if the cuts are imposed. This article includes a map released from the White House that shows where the cuts will take the greatest toll, including California, Florida, New York and Texas, where job losses are expected to be greater than 500 teacher positions. The Huffington Post (2/25)

Survey: Teachers want more support under common core
Nearly half of teachers who responded to a recent survey said they were not fully prepared to teach the Common Core State Standards. The survey -- by the EPE Research Center, part of Editorial Projects in Education, the publisher of Education Week -- found that more than two-thirds of teachers reported feeling unprepared to teach students with disabilities and English-language learners. "The new standards do require a major shift in instruction. And the needed supports really aren't there," said Lisa Dickinson, an assistant director of educational issues for the American Federation of Teachers. Education Week (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org) (2/27)

N.J. governor's budget includes school-choice pilot program
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's budget plan includes a pilot program that extends school choice to students attending failing schools. Under the $2 million program, families have the option of applying for grants, which can be used to enroll students in other public or private schools. Funded by corporate tax credits, the plan would provide scholarships for up to 10% of students in qualifying districts. Asbury Park Press (Neptune-Asbury Park, N.J.) (2/27)

NASBE News

Register today for NASBE's annual Legislative policy forum
Based on the theme "Advancing State Interests Through Federal Policy: Challenges and Opportunities in the New Congress," NASBE's annual legislative conference will take place March 14-15 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Va. Sessions include a policy discussion session with the U.S. Department of Education and sessions on Capitol Hill with Congressional educational leadership that deal with education policy and appropriations. Deadline for special hotel room rate is March 1. Go to the conference Web page for more information.

Education policy professional opportunities
NASBE has openings for a Director of Government Affairs and Member Relations, as well as a project director and a project associate to administer all aspects of a continuation grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to support state boards in implementation of the Common Core State Standards. Go to our website to learn more about the project and positions.

Learn more about NASBE ->

SmartQuote

He that will not apply new remedies must expect new evils; for time is the greatest innovator."

--Francis Bacon,
British author and statesman

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Publisher, Education Group: Joe Riddle 202-407-7857