Education news for August 31
Posted on 31. Aug, 2009 by Heather.
And so it begins: School-funding issue back in court 30 years after landmark case
Everybody hurts: Budgets pinch schools, students
FYI: Teacher contract talks stall in several school districts
OK, go: Race to the Top’ grant worth pursuing
Battle for bucks: Who speaks best for Matthew?
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A Day in Olympia
Posted on 28. Aug, 2009 by Xuan.
Yesterday, I went down to the QEC meeting along with fellow LEV staff and had the opportunity to sit in on the council meeting. I had never been to anything like this before, let alone to the capitol! I had a great time watching our education leaders discuss the future of 2261. I even got to take a picture with the Frank Chopp. He will be hosting a discussion with the PTSA on Thursday September 19th, where students will have an opportunity to speak. Pretty cool huh? I know I’m planning on attending.
After sitting in on the meeting for a bit, Maggie and I set out to track down our state representatives and to tour the campus. We visited all the major buildings and spent some time in the Temple of Justice library. Our representatives weren’t present, but we left notes urging them to do everything they can to help implement the suggestions of 2261.
Overall, it was a fun (and hot!) day spent at the Capitol. Thank you to everyone on the QEC and keep up the good work!
To see the full photo tour of our trip around the Capitol, check out our facebook album
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Education news for August 28
Posted on 28. Aug, 2009 by Heather.
Change up: New ag program offers students more flexibility
Congrats: Tacoma school superintendent receives honor
Starting strong: Kindergarten transition program a positive first step
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LIVE BLOG: QEC
Posted on 27. Aug, 2009 by Heather.
2:10pm-2:15pm
Transition to the New Funding Formula Structure - Cal Brodie
>>Sen. Zarelli said this needs to include a revamp of the accounting system, so we know what each dollar buys.<<
2:15pm-2:30pm
Public Comment
David Spring, parent from North Bend - Stressed urgency to find funding solution, implement reforms; tax reform is necessary, has solution for consideration
Tim Knue, Association for Career and Technical Educators - Looks forward to implementation of reforms; don’t forget about CTE, we want to work with you
Pat Montgomery, parent from Auburn - Don’t forget about equity, and paramount duty of the state; be leaders on reform
Rep. Ross Hunter - Allocation model is meant to be building based, not district based, and funding for higher poverty levels is meant to go to the schools with larger populations of low-income students
John Stokes, parent from Bellevue - Supports work of the QEC, parents are here to help; additional funding won’t come until we have reforms; think about what it takes to educate all kids to the highest levels; don’t let more kids fall through the cracks
2:30pm-2:55pm
Other Items for Consideration
>>Rep. Sullivan suggested the QEC also get updates from the Achievement Gap Committee.
>>Sen. McAuliffe would like to have a conversation about how the QEC can help direct legislation.
>>Sen. Zarelli asked about meeting materials, and if they are available online and whether they will always get printed materials. Ms. Priddy said each member gets to indicate their preference.
>>Ms. Ryan would like the QEC to address prioritization of the prototype model, as well as sequencing of implementation. QEC also needs to look at revenue plan. Ms. Ryan would like to see a work plan for the QEC for the near future, worries the group won’t be able to meet deadlines unless they have a loose work plan. Other members agree.
>>Sen. McAuliffe would like the dates of upcoming meetings for 2261 workgroups, State Board of Education and Professional Educator Standards Board [the SBE and PESB publish meeting dates at the beginning of each calendar year]. Ms. Priddy shared information about a forum OSPI is hosting with National Board certified teachers, on October 17. Ms. Ryan offered that the SBE has a CORE 24 Implementation Task Force, and could give a briefing to the QEC, along with the System Performance Accountability Work Group. Ms. Ryan added that public engagement is very important, and the QEC could really benefit from it.
>>Sen. Oemig would like to see the meetings focus largely on the prototype, since they have so much work to do around it. It may be beneficial for members to serve on parallel tracks, since some do not have extensive budget experience.
>>Sen. McAuliffe asked if the Washington State Institute for Public Policy ever ran a cost estimate for reforms using existing costs. Staff pointed out the BEFTF final recommendations included cost estimates.
>>Supt. Dorn said he hopes everyone can make every meeting, will help show the QEC is serious about its task.<<
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LIVE BLOG: QEC
Posted on 27. Aug, 2009 by Heather.
12:30pm-1:20pm
Discussion Related to Prototypical Elements - Jennifer Priddy
>>Ms. Ryan asked about system costs not incurred by schools or districts (State Board of Education, etc) and how they fit into the model; QEC should look at that.
>>Rep. Priest asked about transparency and if the Funding Formula Technical Working Group understands the importance of it. At last week’s meeting it didn’t seem like members thought transparency was a big deal. Ms. Priddy answered yes and no, as an agency they are clear but FFTWG didn’t quite get there, need to reemphasize it to members.
>>Se. Zarelli expressed concern over focusing on categories, instead of actual costs of desired results. He doesn’t want the state to take away flexibility of districts and schools to meets students’ needs by “funding boxes.” Rep. Sullivan said that the model is meant for allocation purposes only and districts/schools can spend as they see fit. And with the transparency component, parents can compare the state allocation to actual expenditures. Rep. Priest spoke to the importance of looking at the “non-sexy” issues related to education, especially the costs just to keep the school doors open, and the need to know actual costs incurred by districts.
>>Sen. Oemig would like to see actual categorical costs to serve kids then divide for a per student allocation.
>>Stephen Rushing asked about class size considerations and differentiation of instructional technology and maintenance technology. He does agree with the thinking of focusing on outcomes, but did say it can be challenging to think about it in a different way than is currently done.
>>Rep. Dammeier asked about paraeducators (where they fit in to the model), maintenance/technology funding (where state funding ends and levy funding begins) and separating out central office costs. Ms. Priddy said “instructional aides” is synonymous with paraeducators. For maintenance/technology costs, the state needs to figure out its responsibility then they can report what districts are responsible for.
>>Dr. Hyde said she would also like to see central office costs separated out. She asked if class size for high school included the necessary periods to implement CORE 24. Ms. Priddy said one of the things they are considering is the definition of teacher planning time, but they are operating in the current funding parameters. For implementation, they need to determine the starting point and then how to get to the outcome outlined in ESHB 2261.
>>Sen. McAuliffe asked about professional development for paraeducators, saying its important to include. Sen. King indicated the FFTWG may need to consider the change in need for instructional aides if class sizes are reduced.
>>Supt. Dorn brought up that state funding per student has dropped significantly, but we still run a fairly efficient system, and local levies subsidize many basic education costs.
>>Mr. Rushing asked about the length of the school day, and said they are already trying to cram so much in. Sen. King offered that they may want to make the school year longer with shorter school days.<<
1:20pm-1:55pm
Crosswalk of Current Funding Levels to New Structure - Jennifer Priddy
>>Ms. Ryan said she would like to see state funding broken out by what it actually funds, so as they develop an implementation plan, the state’s share of basic education funding increases to 100 percent. Ms. Priddy answered that once they finalize the prototype, they will be able to show the difference between what the sate provides and what districts are actually spending.
On moving from Non-Employee Related Costs to Materials, Supplies and Other Costs
>>Sen. Oemig suggested the FFTWG presume the state pays all NERC/MSOC costs but only pays for a portion of actual classrooms/class sizes. Ms. Priddy said they had not considered that, and is unsure about that approach as the state has a prescribed maximum class size but would present the idea to the group.
>>Sen. Zarelli said they shouldn’t presume actual district costs are representative of efficient spending. Perhaps the state should buy insurance for all districts, and then provide less in MSOCs. Ms. Priddy said she will present that to the FFTWG, could also be applied for things like auditor’s costs. Sen. King asked about incentives for schools and districts to be more efficient, namely around energy costs. Dr. Gutting said, then, the group should look at performance audits of districts. Sen. McAuliffe countered that performance audits don’t always think about what it actually takes to run schools (e.g. its inefficient to use portables, but the solution is either build new facilities or increase class sizes, neither of which is necessarily feasible for districts).
Generally Speaking
>>Ms. Ryan asked who determines the end values for the prototype. Ms. Priddy said staff was hoping the QEC would provide guidance to the FFTWG on the end values.<<
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LIVE BLOG: QEC
Posted on 27. Aug, 2009 by Heather.
10:45am-11:20am
Federal Race to the Top Funds - Judy Hartmann
Ms. Hartmann shared the governor’s office is hoping the Gates Foundation will provide a grant for the state to complete a Race to the Top application.
>>Mary Jean Ryan said it’s worth it for the state to complete an application, since we’re looking at potentially hundreds of millions of dollars, and possibly the only new money for education anytime soon.
>>Sen. Zarelli liked Ms. Hartmann’s notes that we need to implement reforms that are sustainable, and find long-term sustainable funding sources.
>>Rep. Priest brought up that tomorrow is also the deadline for the state to send a letter to the U.S. Department of Education about the requirements, citing charter schools as an issue the state will want to address (and the possibility of the state to cite schools like Aviation High School as substitutes). Ms. Hartmann said they are working on two letters, one for the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, phase two and Race to the Top. As for charter schools, the application seems like it’s a “check the box” or “fill in the number” process, rather than demonstrate alternatives, which the state’s letter will address. Speaker Frank Chopp asked if Rep. Priest is making a motion that the QEC also send a letter. Rep. Priest said he would gladly support that idea. Supt. Dorn said his office has been working closely with the governor’s office on this, and they have been talking with the U.S. Department of Education around these issues. He also brought up our murky language around the authority of the state to intervene in low-performing schools and districts. Supt. Dorn said the state is ultimately in charge of Washington’s education system, and gets to decide how close it wants to move toward what President Obama and Secretary Duncan seem to want.
>>Sen. Oemig asked if capital facilities are eligible (answer: no) and if they are partnering with local districts. Ms. Hartmann gave a roundabout answer saying districts are important to this effort.
>>Rep. Sullivan asked if the QEC could have a copy of the letter this afternoon, even if a draft. Ms. Hartmann didn’t know if she could do that. Supt. Dorn said he had no objection to it.
>>Rep. Dammeier asked if the congressional delegation was being engaged. Supt. Dorn said they will be informed.
>>Dr. Hyde agreed with the idea being circulated by Reps. Chopp, Sullivan and Priest. Speaker Chopp joked they could check the box then explain [laughter all around].
>>Supt. Dorn said Washington often has a different name for things, and our system is just a little different.<<
11:20am-11:40am
Funding Formula Technical Working Group Update - Julie Salvi
>>Rep. Dammeier asked if by district-wide allocation, they were recommending that this was by grade for the prototype (answer: yes).
>>Dr. Hyde asked if the group has discussed determining poverty levels, and perhaps differentiating for various levels. Julie Salvi said they will discuss at the next meeting.
>>Sen. King asked if the group will look at current expenditures during consideration of additional funding sources. Ms. Salvi said one of the questions before the group is “Where is the starting point?” which will help inform the group’s recommendations.
>>Sen. McAuliffe asked about doing allocations on a district level, and how parents will look at their schools and figure out prototype allocations. Ms. Salvi said there are different ways to do that.
>>Rep. Maxwell brought up the discussion at the meeting around varying poverty levels of schools in the same district, and how allocating by district could be complicated by that. Ms. Salvi said the group did not come to a resolution on that and will revisit at its meeting next week.
>>Sen. Zarelli clarified Sen. King’s point that the group needs to figure out what “zero” is. He also said they should determine a percentage of allocated funds that are actually spent on what they were intended to fund (e.g. teachers).<<
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LIVE BLOG: QEC
Posted on 27. Aug, 2009 by Heather.
9:50am-10:25am
Basic Education Finance Task Force: Summary of Recommendations - Annie Pennucci
>>Sen. McAuliffe asked if the BEFTF included folding I-732 into basic education. Annie Pennucci said the BEFTF did not.
>>Sen. Zarelli asked what factor most contributed to the increase in projected graduation rate. Ms. Pennucci said she would have to go back and check. Sen. McAuliffe asked if this presumed students began in early learning programs. Ms. Pennucci said yes, these projections were for 14 years after implementation of recommendations.
>>Supt. Dorn asked if they did cost estimates on the savings of increased graduation rates (lower incarceration rates, etc). Ms. Pennucci said they did not. Rep. Skip Priest said they did do a cost-benefit analysis of early learning programs.
>>Sen. McAuliffe brought up that the final BEFTF recommendations are not fully reflected in ESHB 2261. She just wanted to make sure everyone was clear on that.
>>Back and forth on whether BEFTF was tasked with finding a funding source (not in legislation).
>>Rep. Pat Sullivan said staff did a good job in presentations that allow audience to see difference between ESHB 2261 and BEFTF recommendations. Rep. Priest said what was missing from the bill was the sense of urgency included in the BEFTF recommendations. Rep. Priest also brought up the court cases addressing funding (Federal Way lawsuit in the Supreme Court and adequacy lawsuit in King County Superior Court), and the governor’s veto of the early learning section of ESHB 2261.
>>Sen. King raised concerns over investing $6 billion more per year to raise graduation rates by “only” 8.5 percent; seems like a better investment may be to hire tutors for the 6,000 students that don’t graduate each year. Rep. Bruce Dammeier asked if the BEFTF looked at closing the achievement gap and related cost estimates. Rep. Priest said yes, and highlighted community college remediation rates (reducing them is a return on investment). Rep. Priest said the thing to consider is how we prioritize investments. Supt. Dorn brought up recent legislation that’s been passed focusing on closing the achievement gap.
>>Dr. Jane Gutting asked about the regional labor cost analyses. Supt. Dorn clarified that these largely looked at regional cost differences. Ms. Pennucci said the analyses compared teacher salaries to comparable occupations in different labor markets. Rep. Priest mentioned that the wage analyses also looked at TRI (time, responsibility, incentive) pay, and members of the BEFTF brought up difficulties of rural and remote districts to attract teachers.<<
10:25am-10:45am
Early Learning Work Plan Update - Dr. Bette Hyde
>>Rep. Sullivan asked if the group will make specific recommendations for at-risk children. Dr. Hyde said yes, but the recommendations will be for all kids, with sub-targets for different age groups. Rep. Sullivan added that part of the BEFTF work highlighted the high return on investment for quality early learning programs, which is why this work is important.
>>Rep. Marcie Maxwell asked about the availability of early learning data. Dr. Hyde said it is her wish that the state have a truly longitudinal data system, so children can be tracked through the entire system.
>>Sen. Zarelli worried about any recommendations being too prescriptive, and making every daycare center too expensive because they have to be early learning centers. Dr. Hyde acknowledged those concerns, but highlighted the benefits of early learning programs and how they teach through playful learning activities.
>>Sen. McAuliffe asked that if early learning is included in basic education doesn’t that require it be for all children. Dr. Hyde said the recommendations will be tiered and include recommendations for all children, most children and some children. Dr. Hyde said it’s on the QEC to decide if any level of early learning should be part of basic education. Rep. Priest said the recommendation of the BEFTF was that early learning programs be an option.<<
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Three days to go to air LEV’s award-winning ad on King 5
Posted on 27. Aug, 2009 by Lisa.
We have three days left to reach our fundraising goal so we can air our Ready for Life campaign ad during a special one-hour program on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 9 PM titled Learning for Life: Ready for School, Ready for Life on King 5 television.
We’re more than 1/2 way to our goal of raising $1,000 and we need your help!
Can you help us with a donation of $25, $50 or $100 to help us show our award-winning Ready for Life ad on television?
This is an amazing opportunity to show our ad to an audience who cares deeply about education. The ad will help us build the movement to change our schools so every child graduates ready for life.
Ready for Life means every high school graduate has the opportunity to pursue and complete college and/or job training and attain a living-wage job.
Help us air our Ready for Life ad on television by making a donation today.
Thank you for your support.
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LIVE BLOG: QEC
Posted on 27. Aug, 2009 by Heather.
I’ll be doing my best to live blog throughout the day, check back often for updates.
9:05am-9:10am
Election of Chair
Dr. Bette Hyde nominated Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn, seconded by Rep. Skip Priest. Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe nominated Sen. Eric Oemig. Sen. McAuliffe asked each candidate speak. Sen. Oemig said it makes more sense for OSPI to facilitate the meetings, and withdrew his name from consideration. Supt. Dorn spoke to the benefits of his being chair.
Supt. Dorn was elected chair.
9:10am-9:40am
Overview of ESHB 2261 - Susan Mielke, Barbara McLain
Find all meeting documents here.
>>Sen. McAuliffe would like clarification on things requiring legislative action in 2010. Sen. McAuliffe also asked about capacity of instructional hour increases. Susan Mielke responded that the bill did address that issue, and OSPI is to report regularly on system capacity.
>>Sen. Joseph Zarelli asked if the Funding Formula Technical Working Group would be looking at new funding sources, or just how to work within the current system. Barbara McLain answered that they could consider both, starting with the current system and looking at possible new sources if they have time.<<
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Funding Formula TWG has a website too
Posted on 26. Aug, 2009 by Heather.
Oh man, the links just keep on coming. The Funding Formula Technical Working Group has launched its website. The agenda isn’t up yet for next week’s meeting, but will be soon. The website does have links to the handouts from last week’s meeting.
