Posted by Heather
1:40pm-2:30pm
State Board of Education
Mary Jean Ryan
Ms. Ryan began by giving a brief presentation on CORE 24, highlighting the flexibility of the framework to accommodate students on all paths. This framework is contingent on funding, and the SBE won’t implement it without those dollars. Ms. Ryan also emphasized the need to students to have adequate time in school to master all requirements. Adequate time may mean more periods in a day or being able to demonstrate proficiency through an assessment of some sort. She then segued into the High School and Beyond Plan, mentioning Navigation 101.
Chair Grimm asked for more information about Navigation 101. Ms. Ryan gave a brief explanation of the program, and Chair Grimm said it sounded like “tracking” students. This caused a small uproar among Task Force members, who clarified the program is about helping students weigh their post-secondary options, rather than set them on a path based on test scores or GPA.
Ms. Ryan said to implement CORE 24 effectively we need to provide enough time, funding, materials and facilities for students. Rep. Priest asked if the SBE has projected the number of math and science teachers needed to support CORE 24. Ms. Ryan said they have not come up with hard numbers; the Professional Educator Standards Board is looking into that very issue.
Supt. Kowalkowski asked about the financial implications of going to a six- or seven-period day. Ms. Ryan responded that they don’t have a financial analyst and haven’t costed it out. Dr. Bergeson added that Ms. Priddy will do that work for the SBE.
Supt. Kowalkowski asked about providing more opportunities for students to earn college credit while in high school. Ms. Ryan said the SBE wants to expand those opportunities to kids, including International Baccalaureate, etc.
Dr. Hyde asked a clarifying question about the CORE 24 implementation timeline, and if it would go into full effect by 2016. Ms. Ryan said CORE 24 would be fully implemented as the graduation requirement framework by 2016, except for certain math components, as long as the funding is there.
Ms. Ryan then transitioned into the accountability work being done by the SBE. She didn’t get too far before Chair Grimm asked how long before ineffective administrators are fired. Ms. Ryan explained struggling schools and districts would have two years after initial identification to improve. If no improvement is made in two years, a peer review team would assess the school or district and make a recommendation to the SBE. The recommendation may or may not include an administrative or staffing change. Ms. Ryan also clarified that this authority is not currently held by the SBE, and would need to be granted. There are also funding implications in this proposal. Ms. Ryan said the SBE is trying to finalize their proposal in time for the Task Force to incorporate into its proposal.
Dr. Hyde asked about the number of schools identified as struggling, especially as compared to those schools identified under No Child Left Behind. Ms. Ryan said the number was small, especially in comparison to the “exploding dog” that is NCLB (no joke, her words).
Chair Grimm raised concern over giving too much time to ineffective administrators, which can make an accountability system seem weak.
Rep. Haigh added that struggling administrators need support, and expressed her doubts that local communities would give up their ability to elect local school boards (part of the SBE’s accountability proposal). Ms. Ryan said the possible action taken by the SBE could be a range and not necessarily a progression. She also hears Chair Grimm’s concerns over too much time passing before action is taken.
Dr. Bergeson brought up that the Legislature put into RCW a restriction prohibiting the superintendent of public instruction from intervening in schools.
Chair Grimm brought up the funding realities the state will be facing in the 2009-11 biennium, and cautioned the SBE to consider this when making their recommendations (especially CORE 24). It might make more sense for the SBE to list priorities in their proposals. Ms. Ryan countered that strong high school preparation requires offering a variety of courses and options, because we have students with a wide variety of needs.
