FSCA Legislative News

Florida Board of Governors : Interior

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:56:00 +0000

Florida Board of Governors : Interior: "New Florida Information"

EDUCATION POLICY & PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:19:00 +0000

EDUCATION POLICY & PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

CLASS SIZE REVISION MOVES AHEAD IN SENATE COMMITTEE

S002 and H7039 are identical bills that would allow schools to meet the constitutional class size requirement through an average class size calculation. The average class size in grades PK-3 would be 18, but would allow individual classrooms to have as many as 21 students. The average in grades 4-8 would be 22, with a maximum number of 27 students in any given classroom. For grades 9-12, the average would be 25, with up to 30 students allowed in any single classroom. The Senate version was approved by the Education PK-12 Committee by a vote of 6-1 earlier this week, and now moves to the Senate Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means. If approved by both houses, the measure would be put to Florida voters in the November 2010 general election.

Florida Senate

http://www.flsenate.gov/session/index.cfm?BI_Mode=ViewBillInfo&Mode=Bills&ElementID=JumpToBox&SubMenu=1&Year=2010&billnum=2

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APPOINTED SCHOOL BOARD PROPOSED FOR DUVAL COUNTY

The Duval County Charter Revision Commission has determined that its first education priority will be propose a major change in school board governance. The proposed changed would have school board members appointed by the mayor rather than elected by citizens. Under the new proposal, school board members would receive no salary. Direct mayoral control of of schools has not been practiced in Florida in the modern era, and whether or not such a governance plan is permitted under the Florida Constitution is still under debate.

Jacksonville Times-Union

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/schools/2010-02-18/story/appoint_duval_school_board_charter_review_panel_says

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ESEA REAUTHORIZATION HEARINGS REBOOTED (AGAIN)

In yet another attempt to kick-start the long-delayed reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (currently referred to as No Child Left Behind), Democratic and Republican leaders of the House Education and Labor Committee announced new plans for a bipartisan revision of the massive federal education law. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the chairman of the committee, Rep. John Kline (R-MN), the senior Republican of the committee, Rep. Dale Kildee (D-MI), the chairman of the subcommittee on elementary and secondary education, and Rep. Michael Castle (R-DE), the senior Republican of that subcommittee announced the new hearings would begin soon. The first hearing, scheduled for February 24, will concern charter schools.

U.S. House of Representatives

http://edlabor.house.gov/newsroom/2010/02/lawmakers-announce-plan-for-a.shtml

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ANOTHER EFFORT TO REVISE NATIONAL SCIENCE STANDARDS BEGINS

As the headlong rush toward developing "common core standards" by a 48-state public-private consortium continues, a parallel effort by the National Research Council has begun. (The NRC provides Congress with science, technology and health policy advice under a congressional charter originally signed by President Lincoln.) The NRC is developing a framework for "next generation" standards for K-12 science education, and the panel is apparently working with the intent of reducing the scale and scope of the standards in favor of deeper understanding of the actual nature of science. Although this effort is technically separate from the effort of the Common Core Standards Initiative, there is considerable overlap in the influence of Achieve, Inc., which is heavily involved in both efforts. Achieve is a non-profit organization funded largely by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and a consortium of other major technology, manufacturing, and insurance companies.

Education Week

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2010/02/10/21science.h29.html?tkn=VXTFdP9avjgy6a4bzwO7BbZgv%2BwxdFWeStGd

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2009 BUNKUM AWARDS FOR WORST EDUCATIONAL "RESEARCH" ANNOUNCED

The Education and the Public Interest Center (EPIC) is a collaborative effort by researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder and Arizona State University. They regularly review major education studies, especially those generated by policy think tanks. This service provides a much-needed peer review to studies that otherwise usually escape this essential step in scholarship.

Each year, they issue "Bunkum Awards" to the worst studies released in the preceding year, and cite their many shortcomings. This effort seems important, given the many threats to the integrity of educational research. The awards are well worth a look by those concerned with good research and good public policy.

Education and the Public Interest Center

http://epicpolicy.org/think-tank/bunkum-awards

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RUNNING THE NUMBERS

(1) Number of K-12 positions in Florida currently funded from federal stimulus funds: 25,921

(2) Number of Florida State Board of Education Rules that will be considered for revision at the Board's March 16th meeting: 20

(3) Percentage of U.S. school districts currently connected to the Internet: 100

(4) Percentage of U.S. school districts with written policies on student use of social networking sites: 76

(5) Percentage of U.S. school districts that require teachers to be trained in the use of Internet resources for instruction: 15

SOURCES

(1) U.S. Department of Education http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/spending/arra-program-summary2.pdf

(2) Florida State Board of Education https://app1.fldoe.org/rules/default.aspx

(3, 4, 5) NCES http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2010/2010003.pdf

FLORIDA LEGISLATURE PREPARES FOR HISTORIC SESSION

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 02:40:00 +0000

Both houses of the Florida Legislature are busily preparing for a historic session that will either see rare tax hikes (aka "revenue enhancements") or further cuts to state and local services. Hundreds of bills pertaining to education have been filed. Here are few worth noting:

H 0061

This bill, filed by Rep. Fresen, would require Algebra I, Algebra II, Biology, and Chemistry or Physics for high school graduation. The bill would also require a grade level score on the 10th grade FCAT for high school graduation.

H 0209

This bill, filed by Rep. Bullard, would eliminate administration of the FCAT in high school. Students would instead be required to take the PSAT/NMSQT and achieve a certain passing score as a requirement for high school graduation.

H 0473

This bill, filed by Rep. Bullard, would Algebra I, Algebra II, Biology, and Chemistry or Physics for high school graduation. The bill would eliminate FCAT administration and replace it with subject area or end-of-course examinations, and modify the school grading system accordingly.

H 1009

This bill, filed by Rep. Weatherford and endorsed by Commissioner Smith, would expand the current tax credit voucher program and require an annual study of the academic performance of students using the vouchers to attend private schools compared with similar students in public schools.

S 0002

This bill, filed by 17 key senators, would offer voters a chance to modify the class size amendment so that class limits are based on a school average.

S 0120

This bill, filed by Sen. Bullard, would eliminate a passing score on the 10th grade FCAT as requirement for high school graduation.

S 0738

This bill, filled by Sen. Bennett, would propose a repeal of the Constitutional class size limits.

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ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN TEACHER EVALUATION, COMPENSATION, REAPPOINTMENT, AND DISMISSAL

The Race to the Top grant program has accelerated the standards movement progress in changing systems of teacher evaluation, compensation, reappointment, and dismissal. A recent speech by Randi Weingarten, the President of the American Federation of Teachers, supported a new effort in streamlining the processes by which administrators dismiss teachers found to be ineffective. These efforts (along with the added pressure of Race to the Top) seem likely to lead to historic changes in how schools and school districts operate. National Journal invited a number of leading thinkers and stakeholders (including Deb Meier, Richard Rothstein, Monty Neill, and Diane Ravitch) to analyze these changes. Their comments are insightful.

National Journal http://education.nationaljournal.com/2010/01/will-aft-teacher-evaluation-ef.php#1408525

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RACE TO THE TOP GRANT REVIEWERS SELECTED

A high-caliber slate of reviewers—apparently most of whom are K-12 professionals—has been selected to review the 41 Race to the Top proposals submitted in the first round of this historic grant program. Their comments (and their for-now-secret identities) will be revealed when the results are announced in April. This competition is unusual in nearly every way and not only for the enormous amount of funding to be awarded. In this competition, the Secretary will consider the scores of the expert reviewers, he will be authorized to make awards as he chooses.

Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/07/AR2010020702399.html

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RUNNING THE NUMBERS

Florida's Race to the Top grant proposal was published at the U.S. Department of Education Web site (http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop/phase1-applications/florida.pdf), but the PDF document there is strangely enormous—a poor scanning process has produced page dimensions of 35 inches by 45 inches! The scan is grainy and, sadly, not searchable. A much better, searchable PDF file is available at the Florida Department of Education Web site at http://www.fldoe.org/ARRA/RacetotheTop.asp. The proposal includes ambitious learning goals and a very large budget.

1. Percent of Florida 8th grade students with disabilities who currently score at the NAEP basic level in mathematics: 34

2. Percent Florida predicts will score this level after three years of RTTT implementation: 54

3. Percent of Florida students with disabilities who currently graduate from high school: 37.3

4. Percent Florida predicts will graduate after three years of RTTT implementation: 85

5. Number of new staff members FDOE will hire to administer RTTT: 6

6. Number of consultants FDOE will hire to advise districts on how to develop RTTT teacher and principal evaluations: 60

7. Estimated cost for these consultants, in millions of dollars: 14.98

8. Number of consultants FDOE will hire to advise districts on how to develop RTTT compensation systems: 63

9. Estimated cost for these consultants, in millions of dollars: 20.73

Source: Florida's Race to the Top grant proposal

1. Page 24

2. Page 24

3. Page 28

4. Page 28

5. Page 39

6. Page 264

7. Page 264

8. Page 267

9. Page 267

"Right Size" Class Size Amendment

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:32:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 2, 2010

CONTACT: Chris Clark 850-487-5009

Ralph Lair 850-488-5744

Sen. Don Gaetz and Rep. Will Weatherford Unveil Proposal to “Right Size” Class Size Amendment

Proposal Would Place Update to Class Size Amendment Before Florida Voters

Tallahassee – Aiming to “right size the class size amendment,” Sen. Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) and Rep. Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel), today announced their proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution to update the 2002 class size amendment.

Instead of the hard, inflexible class size caps instituted by the 2002 amendment, the Constitutional amendment proposed by Sen. Gaetz and Rep. Weatherford would implement class size caps as a school average and provide flexibility for schools to add 3 seats in pre-K to 3^rd grade classrooms and 5 seats in grades 4 through 12, if necessary, to meet unforeseen enrollment changes.

“Our proposal does not change the class size targets voters approved in 2002,” said Sen. Gaetz who previously served as a school superintendent in Okaloosa County. “This proposed amendment charts a course forward that is fiscally sound and sustainable; respects the role of local educators to make staffing, operations and other decisions; and keeps class sizes at a level where teachers can teach and children can learn.”

It would require a 3/5vote of the Legislature to put the Gaetz/Weatherford Constitutional amendment to “right size class size” on the ballot in November. It would require approval of 60% of voters to become law.

In 2002, 52% of Florida voters approved the Class Size Amendment. Since then, the state has invested $16 billion to meet the amendment’s requirements. As a result, the average class size in Florida’s schools has fallen significantly.

Grade	2003 Per Class Average	2009 Per Class Average
PreK through 3	23 students	16 students
4 through 8	24 students	19 students
9 through 12	24 students	22 students

“Since the 2002 amendment passed, Florida has diligently worked to meet the spirit and intent of the law. The days where teachers had to practice crowd control as a rule are a thing of the past in schools across Florida,” said Rep. Weatherford. “This class size referendum will allow voters to review the historic progress that has been made and weigh the challenges we face with the flawed 2002 approach of hard caps, inflexible rules and top-down micromanagement of local schools.”

Under the 2002 Class Size Amendment, hard classroom caps of 18 students for grades PreK-3; 22 students for grades 4-8; and 25 students for grades 9-12 are scheduled to take effect at the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year.

There currently are 825,000 student stations sitting empty in Florida. Those stations are in every district and at every grade level. Sen. Gaetz and Rep. Weatherford noted the problem with the implementation of the 2002 amendment are the expensive and chaotic logistical problems the hard class size caps would create across the state.

Some of the most daunting problems being forecast with the full implementation of the 2002 amendment include:

Rezoning
Massive busing
Disruption in student learning
Double sessions
Inability to hire enough qualified teachers
Elimination of local flexibility

Sen. Gaetz and Rep. Weatherford say their proposal would reduce the number of problems with the final implementation of the 2002 Class Size Amendment while respecting the intent of those who voted for the amendment.

# # #

Legislative update

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:20:00 +0000

STATE EDUCATION BUDGET PROPOSED

On Monday, the Governor announced his education proposals for the upcoming Legislative session. He will ask legislators to approve a $22.7 billion education budget, representing a 2.6 percent increase per student from this year. This would restore K-12 funding to the 2007 level. Such an increase might also raise Florida's expenditures for education up from around the lowest in the country to almost average.

To accomplish this, the Governor seeks to hold class size accountability to the school level rather than the classroom level. He again asked the Legislature to approve the gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida to help generate state revenue. He also described the state's participation in Race to the Top as "visionary."

See the full press release at http://www.flgov.com/release/11305

The governor's proposal was praised across the state by superintendents and school board members. Historically, however, such budget proposals have not been acted upon by the Legislature.

Senate President Jeff Atwater described the Governor's proposal as "rather optimistic" and expressed skepticism that a state budget could be passed without more layoffs. Even less enthusiastic was House Speaker Larry Cretul's description of the three forces shaping the budget—the Governor, the House, and the Senate—as being "three tropical depressions" colliding to create a perfect storm.

St. Petersburg Times: http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2010/01/atwater-says-crist-budget-proposal-rather-optimistic-high-bar-to-clear.html

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FEDERAL EDUCATION BUDGET PROPOSED

The President has indicated that he intends to freeze most discretionary spending, although many education programs such as Pell Grants and the Race to the Top grants appear to be exempted from the proposed freeze. In fact, with the ESEA reauthorization looming in the background, the total federal education budget has been targeted for a $4 billion increase, despite the freezes being considered in other non-defense areas. Tonight's State of the Union address (and the resulting discussions and clarifications over the next several days) may make this clearer.

CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/01/27/obama.education/index.html

It now also appears that the President will propose consolidation of 38 federal K-12 grant programs into 11, and recommend the elimination of 6 others altogether.

Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/26/AR2010012604586_pf.html

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DUNCAN'S FIRST YEAR CONSIDERED

Many educators are wondering and worrying about what will happen next with the ESEA reauthorization, and it seems that, for now at least, Secretary Duncan is guiding the discussions. Craig Cunningham over at Education Policy Blog has provided an interesting and insightful profile of Duncan and his first year in office—and what we might expect next.

Education Policy Blog: http://educationpolicyblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/arne-duncan-one-year-later.html

The Crisis in Haiti

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:35:00 +0000

The Crisis in Haiti

The tremendous outpouring of support for victims of the earthquake in Haiti is a reminder of the generosity of individuals. I recently met with students from St. Mary's School in Little Haiti, the largest Haitian community in South Florida. This tragedy personally touched many of the school's students, who have relatives in Haiti. Though many come from families with modest means, within the first 24 hours after the earthquake, students raised $500 for Haiti's relief efforts. This is just one of the many acts of generosity Floridians are undertaking to assist the Haitian people in their time of need.

Florida Senator George LeMieux Visiting with Monsignor Hogan of the Archdiocese of Miami at St. Mary's Cathedral in Little Haiti & Sister Jane Stoecker and the children at St. Mary's Parish School.

During this crisis, it is important we remove potential impediments to relief. That is why I joined with my Senate colleagues to adjust the federal tax code to make it easier for people to contribute directly to Haiti's recovery. The Senate unanimously approved this tax code fix and I am hopeful the House of Representatives will follow suit and send it to the president for his signature.

The U.S. tax code should not stand in the way of humanitarian relief efforts. The people in Haiti continue to need a great deal of assistance and there are many generous Americans who want to help.

Click here to learn more about how you can help.

http://lemieux.senate.gov

Reps. Sanchez, Ehlers Introduce Resolution

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:41:00 +0000

Reps. Sanchez, Ehlers Introduce Resolution: Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.) and Rep.Vern Ehlers (R-Mich.) introduced a congressional resolution that will declare Feb. 1-5, 2010, National School Counseling Week to honor the important role school counselors play in students' lives.

Florida Applies for Race to the Top Grant

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 13:47:00 +0000

Florida Applies for Race to the Top Grant
On Jan. 19, 2010, Governor Charlie Crist submitted Florida’s application for federal Race to the Top funding on behalf of State Board of Education Chairman T. Willard Fair and Education Commissioner Dr. Eric J. Smith and certified by Attorney General Bill McCollum. Sixty school districts, three lab schools and the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, as well as five local teacher union presidents signed official Memorandums of Understanding pledging their commitment to the reform initiatives outlined in Florida’s application request for $1.14 billion.

If Florida is successful in obtaining a grant award, half of the total award will be distributed to participating school districts according to a federal funding formula to implement locally-developed comprehensive education reform plans focused on accelerating student learning and improving the quality of education their schools provide. The remaining funds will support state-level projects benefiting all school districts statewide. Award notifications are expected to be announced in April, 2010.

To view a copy of Florida’s Race to the Top application, visit http://www.fldoe.org/arra/racetothetop.asp.

Joint Study on School Crime and Safety

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 22:55:00 +0000

PRESS RELEASES
Statement by Attorney General Eric Holder and Education Secretary Arne Duncan on Joint Study on School Crime and Safety

FOR RELEASE:
December 10, 2009

Contact: Press Office, Education Department
(202) 401-1576
press@ed.gov

Office of Public Affairs
United States Department of Justice
(202) 514-2007
www.justice.gov
TDD (202) 514-1888

"The study released today shines a light on a problem too often in the dark—youth violence. Schools should be safe havens where young people can learn and prosper, and anything less than that is unacceptable. We've met with students affected by the fatal beating of Derrion Albert in Chicago and brought teens struggling with the issue of dating violence here to Washington. Through these conversations, research like the study released today, and an intense focus on vital policy issues, we are gathering the tools necessary to address this problem effectively. In the coming year, the Departments of Education and Justice will work side-by-side with our local and community partners, bringing all of our combined resources to bear, to help stem the tide of youth violence.

"Eradicating youth violence is a priority of this administration and a priority of both these agencies. As cabinet officials, as concerned citizens and most importantly, as fathers, we are committed to continuing our work to eliminate youth violence."

The study can be found at http://nces.ed.gov/programs/crimeindicators/crimeindicators2009/

http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/12/12102009b.html

Florida to ask U.S. for up to $1 billion for schools

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:41:00 +0000

Florida to ask U.S. for up to $1 billion for schools

BY HANNAH SAMPSON

hsampson@MiamiHerald.com

A couple hundred million ain't bad, but why not go for a billion?

Florida Education Commissioner Eric Smith on Wednesday said it looks like the state could end up asking the federal government for $1 billion in grant money earmarked for education.

``We are excited by what this means to the state, what it means to our children and what it means to our educators,'' Smith said in a call with reporters.

That amount would be nearly a quarter of the entire budget for Race to the Top, a $4.35 billion initiative that seeks to solve some of the most persistent problems in education by pouring money into innovative reforms.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/breaking-news/story/1340731.html

S. 729: Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2009 (GovTrack.us)

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:02:00 +0000

A bill to amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes.

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-729

Legislative Affairs - American School Counselor Association

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:47:00 +0000

ACTION ALERT:

Urge Members of the Senate to Sign Sen. Feingold's Letter Requesting Funding for the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program (ESSCP)

ASCA has been working closely with Sen. Russ Feingold's (D-Wis.) staff to, once again, distribute a "Dear Colleague" letter to all the members of the Senate urging his colleagues to sign a letter requesting the Senate Appropriations Committee to provide increased funding for the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling program in fiscal year (FY) 2010. By funding ESSCP at an increased level, monies will be made available to both elementary and secondary schools to provide comprehensive school counseling services. This is due to ESSCP's statuary funding trigger; secondary schools (i.e., middle and high) are not eligible to participate in the program until total funding exceeds $40 million.

In fiscal year 2009, Congress appropriated $52 million for ESSCP. This program has slowly but steadily been climbing and has surpassed that funding trigger for two years now. It is imperative that we keep this momentum going as more school budgets are being cut and more school counseling positions are becoming eliminated. Therefore, it is critical to show congressional support for ESSCP by having as many senators as possible sign the Feingold letter.

ACTION NEEDED
Call, write or e-mail both of your senators and urge them to show support for ESSCP by signing onto the Feingold Dear Colleague Letter, which requests the Senate Appropriations Committee provide increased funding for this essential program in fiscal year 2010. You can call your senator by calling the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121.If you do not know who your senators are, or you would like to find the direct line to the appropriate office, you can locate that information on the Web. If you would like to e-mail your senators but are unable to locate the appropriate addresses please e-mail Amanda Fitzgerald at ASCA and include your name and the state in which you reside and the state in which you are employed (if different).

What should you say? Tell your senators your name and where you are from; you may be asked for your name and number. As a constituent, your call is important to your senator's office. Ask to speak with the education legislative assistant because you want the senator to sign on to the Dear Colleague letter being circulated by Sen. Russ Feingold requesting that the Senate Appropriations Committee provide an increase in funding for the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program in FY 2010. Feel free to emphasize the meaningful role school counselors play in our students' lives.

If congressional staff have any further questions, they can contact Amanda Beaumont in Sen. Feingold's office at (202) 224-5323 or amanda_beaumont@feingold.senate.gov.

If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact Amanda Fitzgerald.

Please do this today. Deadline for signatures is May 7, 2009.

ESSCP Awards Made: The Department of Education announced recipients of 52 new 2008 awards. Get more info.

Loan Forgiveness for School Counselors FAQ

Important New Resource for Borrowers
www.IBRinfo.org is a new web site that provides independent, reliable information about Income-Based Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness, two new federal programs to help make student loan repayment fair and manageable. The site explains the programs and will be updated as new information becomes available. Users can register to get updates on important developments as the U.S. Department of Education finalizes regulations and creates the systems for managing the new programs.

If you are hearing from individuals or groups worrying about student loan payments or those wondering if they can afford to take a public service job, www.IBRinfo.org will be helpful.

Income-Based Repayment (IBR) is a new payment option for federal student loans. It will help borrowers keep their loan payments affordable with payment caps (less than 10% of income for most eligible borrowers) based on income and family size. IBR also will forgive remaining debt, if any, after up to 25 years of qualifying payments. Public Service Loan Forgiveness will forgive remaining debt after 10 years of eligible employment and qualifying loan payments for people working in key public service professions such as teaching, government, social work, law enforcement, and non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations.

These new programs take effect in July 2009. It will take a while before the U.S. Department of Education has all of the regulations written and the systems up and running. In the interim, IBRinfo.org will provide information on these two new federal programs, as well as other student financial assistance. On this website, consumers also can sign up to receive alerts about new developments as they occur.

National Alliance of Pupil Services Organizations
ASCA is a member of The National Alliance of Pupil Services Organizations (NAPSO). NAPSO is a coalition of national professional organizations whose members provide and support a variety of school-based prevention and intervention services to assist students in becoming effective learners and productive citizens.

NAPSO organizations represent over a million members, including school counselors, school nurses, psychologists, school psychologists, social workers and school social workers; occupational therapists, physical therapists, art therapists, dance/movement therapists, and music therapists; speech-language pathologists and audiologists; teachers, students, parents, and administrators.

NAPSO promotes interdisciplinary practice and collaboration and advocates for ensuring access to quality pupil services for all students. NAPSO member organizations are bound together by our common vision to bring all students, in all states, the programs and professional support services they need to insure success in school. Click here for more information.

Legislative Updates
Each week, ASCA distributes an e-mail update to interested members alerting them to education-related events on Capitol Hill. To sign up, mark your membership record to "receive legislative updates."

Legislative Links
Searching for information on a particular member of Congress or a particular bill? Check out these links:

U.S. Senate
U.S. House of Representatives
The White House
Library of Congress Thomas System

U.S. Department of Education Video Contest Challenges Students to Take Responsibility for Their Education

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:24:00 +0000

In two minutes or less, America's students have an opportunity to show the nation and the world how far education can take them and how they will achieve their dreams.

On September 8, President Barack Obama called on the nation's students to take greater responsibility for their education. Now, the U.S. Department of Education is asking students to respond by participating in a national video contest titled “I Am What I Learn.” (Click here to watch U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s launch video.)

“Students share responsibility for their education and for fulfilling their dreams,” Secretary Duncan said. “This video contest is an opportunity for young people to share their stories about where their education and career training can take them. At the same time, I encourage parents, schools and communities to play a strong role in their stories by being accountable for forming stronger partnerships that guide students to their goals.”

http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/09/09212009.html

Education Secretary Arne Duncan Designates 314 Schools as 2009 Blue Ribbon Schools

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:24:00 +0000

http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/09/09152009.html

Secretary Duncan Says Rewrite of 'No Child Left Behind' Should Start Now; Reauthorization Can't Wait

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:23:00 +0000

http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/09/09242009.html

Florida KidCare Act-Out for Health Contest Returns

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:32:00 +0000

For Immediate Release

Contact: Jennifer Pensy, (850) 681-3200, jennifer.pensy@saltermitchell.com
September 16, 2009
Annie Jones, (850) 701-6114, jonesa@healthykids.org

Florida KidCare Act-Out for Health Contest Returns

Students use technology to promote benefits of good healthcare

Tallahassee, Fla. – Students dreaming of a “big break” can compete for their moment in the spotlight with the Florida KidCare Act-Out for Health Contest [www.actout4health.org]. Middle school and high school students across Florida are encouraged to produce a 30-second television commercial or create a billboard advertisement promoting Florida KidCare, the state and federally-funded insurance program providing affordable health benefits for children birth through 18. Launched statewide in 2008, the Act-Out for Health contest drew more than 100 PSA and print advertisement entries from middle and high school students. This year, students will use a unique application on the contest website to create their billboard ad and lesson plans have been created for teachers.

“I am thrilled to see the Florida KidCare Act-Out for Health contest again this year,” said Reggie Grant, communications technology teacher at Lincoln High School in Leon County. “It’s an amazing opportunity for students to collaborate and creatively problem solve. Not only are students required to demonstrate important skills -- planning, organization, technology, communication, media literacy -- but scholarships are available to help further their education.”

All of the contest entries will be judged on originality and ability to promote Florida KidCare benefits to a diverse population. Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges and by the students themselves. This year, students can vote online for their favorite PSA and billboard ad for the Kids’ Choice winners. Grand prize winners will be chosen by Florida KidCare judges. The grand prize winning billboard design will be placed in the statewide winner’s hometown or the closest billboard location possible. The grand prize winning commercial will air on television stations and YouTube. Both grand prize winners will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship. Regional winners have the opportunity to win great prizes including gifts cards and funding for their schools.

“The Act-Out for Health contest is a creative way to motivate kids to action,” said Rich Robleto, executive director of Florida Healthy Kids Corporation, a Florida KidCare partner. “We think it’s important for kids to know about quality healthcare, whether they have insurance or not. The contest has been a really good vehicle to get kids thinking about healthy lifestyles, preventive care and building awareness of the Florida KidCare program.”

Florida KidCare is available to Florida children without health insurance. Children enrolled in the program receive preventive care, such as regular doctor’s visits, immunizations, dental and eye care, at a price their families can afford. Many families pay $15 or $20 per month; most pay nothing at all. A full-pay option is also available for families who may not be eligible for subsidized coverage. A recent study by the University of Florida Institute for Child Health Policy revealed the highest percentage of uninsured children in the state are kids between the ages of 12 and 18.

The contest is open to all middle and high school students across the state. To download the entry form and contest guidelines and to view last year’s winners, visit www.actout4health.org.

For questions about the Act-Out for Health contest, please call Annie Jones, communications specialist for the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation at (850) 701-6114.

Contest entries must be postmarked or submitted online no later than Wednesday, December 2, 2009.

# # #

About Florida KidCare

Florida KidCare offers affordable, quality health insurance for children under the age of 19. Children enrolled in the program receive regular doctor’s visits, dental check-ups, and immunizations. For additional information please visit www.floridakidcare.org.

On Special Education: Special Educators' Group Sets Standards for Restraint and Seclusion

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 01:10:00 +0000

Special Educators' Group Sets Standards for Restraint and Seclusion

The Council for Exceptional Children, a professional association for special educators, has announced a policy on the use of physical restraint and seclusion in school settings. The group hopes to establish as a professional standard that such procedures should only be used as a last resort when a child or others are in immediate danger, the policy says.

The group is also pushing for new laws that would require data on restraint and seclusion be reported to outside agencies, such as state or provincial departments of education.

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/speced/2009/09/special_educators_group_sets_s.html

High School Connections: 'Graduation Promise Act' Introduced in Senate

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 01:09:00 +0000

Your duly elected representatives are forging ahead to conquer the graduation-rate problem.

Yesterday, a passel of senators introduced the "Graduation Promise Act," which would authorize $3 billion to combat the dropout problem. About $2.4 billion would create a fund to help states develop systemic, differentiated ways of bolstering struggling high schools. About $60 million would be available in competitive grants to expand the supply of secondary school models that would best help students at high risk of dropping out, or those who have already dropped out.

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/high-school-connections/2009/09/graduation_promise_act_is_intr.html

Senator LeMieux's Weekly Update

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:52:00 +0000

September 16, 2009

Thank You for Your Support

Last week, I officially took the oath of office for the U.S. Senate. Serving 18 million Floridians in this capacity is the honor of a lifetime and a great responsibility I take very seriously. My wife Meike and I appreciate the hundreds of well wishes we've already received. Thank you for your support and words of encouragement and know that I intend to be the hardest working U.S. senator while I am in office. Be it health care, the national debt, or the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I am here to represent your views and I look forward to hearing from you.

Upholding Free Speech and the 2nd Amendment

Minutes after my swearing-in ceremony, I had the privilege of casting my first vote. The question was whether to confirm Cass R. Sunstein to be the head of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. While Mr. Sunstein is a very accomplished individual, I cast my vote against this nominee because his views are not in line with the values of Florida's families. Mr. Sunstein's opposition to an individual's right to bear arms as guaranteed under the 2nd Amendment make him an inappropriate pick to lead an important federal office.

Blocking ACORN Funding

This week, the United States Senate considered striking funding for ACORN, the not-for-profit group making headlines in the news lately, Monday, I voted to block any Federal dollars from going to ACORN because of their questionable activities including at least 30 cases of suspected voter fraud. With our mounting national debt, we can't afford to spend taxpayer money on organizations operating on the edges of the law.

The Debt, the Deficit, and Health Care Reform

In the coming months, Congress will deal with a great number of issues critically important to the future of our nation. One of the largest issues pending before Congress is how to reform our system of health care. I support affordability and access to quality health care. Right now, the costs are too high and too many people are without health insurance; but the solution can't be worse than the problem. As this debate continues, I strongly encourage you to contact me with your thoughts on the health care situation, and let me know what you believe needs to be done.

US Department of Education Announces Recommendations on the Continuity of Learning

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:13:00 +0000

http://www.healthinschools.org/News-Room/News-Alerts/August-2009/US-Department-of-Education-Announces-Recommendations-on-the-Continuity-of-Learning.aspx

August 25, 2009

U.S. Department of Education Announces Recommendations on the Continuity of Learning in Case of Flu Outbreak

New recommendations on the continuity of learning in the event of student absences or school closures due to seasonal flu or H1N1 outbreaks were announced on August 24, 2009 by the U.S. Department of Education. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius noted, “Our top priority is making sure that [students] have a way to get well, stay well and to keep learning. With these recommendations, we’re providing a menu of strategies for educators to help ensure that the learning process will continue.” The recommendations suggest that educators prepare take-home assignments in advance for distribution to affected students and use the Internet and telephones to post homework materials, conduct classes, share information and keep teachers, parents and students in the loop. The department is working with Google, Apple, Microsoft, Scholastic Inc., Pearson, Curriki, the International Association for Online Learning and other private sector partners, and service providers to make continuity of learning resources like pre-printed lesson plans, conference call services, webinar support, podcasting, and virtual classrooms more affordable and accessible for educators.

Obama Administration Announces Historic Opportunity to Turn Around Nation's Lowest-Achieving Public Schools

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 01:27:00 +0000

Obama Administration Announces Historic Opportunity to Turn Around Nation's Lowest-Achieving Public Schools
Secretary Duncan Announces $3.5 Billion in Title I School Improvement Grants to Fund Transformational Changes Where Children Have Long Been Underserved

http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/08/08262009.html

Information on H1N1 Swine Flu Now Available

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:50:00 +0000

August 24, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Information on H1N1 Swine Flu Now Available

Today, the Florida Department of Health launched a toll-free number to provide public health information and updates on H1N1 Swine flu. The information line is available from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern, 7 days a week. This information is provided in English, Spanish and Creole.

Details are as follows: Time: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, beginning Monday, August 24, 2009

CONTACT: 877-352-3581 or DOH Communications Office: 850-245-4111

# # #

For more information about this or any other issue, please contact Senator Don Gaetz, by e-mail at gaetz.don.web@flsenate.gov, by letter, 217 Miracle Strip Parkway, SE, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548 or call 1-866-450-4DON toll free from anywhere in Florida.

To subscribe/unsubscribe go to www.senatordongaetzreports.com

Florida & Tampa Bay schools blog - The Gradebook

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:14:00 +0000

Florida & Tampa Bay schools blog - The Gradebook: "Set expectations high for Florida students, House education leader Legg says"

NEA Education Insider: July 23, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:30:00 +0000

NEA Education Insider: July 23, 2009

NEA Education Insider: July 23, 2009

Untitled Document

URGE CONGRESS TO SUPPORT SMALLER CLASS SIZES

Educators know that reducing class sizes helps improve student learning. It is simply common sense -- when qualified teachers teach smaller classes in modern schools, students learn more. Teachers with small classes can spend time and energy helping each child to succeed. Smaller classes also enhance safety, discipline, and order in the classroom.

Representative Wu (D-OR) has introduced legislation (H.R. 3010) that would provide grants to reduce class size by hiring additional fully-qualified teachers. The goals of the bill are to:

Reduce class sizes nationally, in grades one through three, to an average of 18 students per classroom; and

Improve teaching in those grades so that all students can learn to read independently and well by the end of the third grade.

Ask your Representative to support this important bill.

SPOTLIGHT: WHAT IS CONGRESS DOING FOR EDUCATORS?
(A new periodic feature highlighting Members of Congress who are supporting public education and educators)

Representative Scott Murphy (D-NY) is sounding off on the healthcare debate. Murphy, who just took his congressional seat in late April after defeating Republican Jim Tedisco, discussed with Politico magazine whether it’s worth voting for a tax increase to get health care reform.

“There are a number of things in the plan that are going to save money, but we can do a lot more to figure out how to pay for this before we turn to cash-strapped New Yorkers, who are hard hit already, and ask for more of their tax dollars,” said Murphy. “We need to have real reform before we turn to taxes.”

More than 48 million Americans—including 9 million children—have no health coverage. And with the economy in its current downturn—the situation is expected to get worse with more people losing their coverage.

Meanwhile, Representative Eric Massa (D-NY) wants to see health care reform include a robust public plan. Massa has reportedly joined a group of about 50 progressive lawmakers who have all agreed to vote against any bill that did not meet certain criteria for a public option.

Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) was quoted this week on National Public Radio in support of a public plan saying, “I believe that the reforms we are creating will result in more competitive, affordable, and innovative options for Mainers, yet we can all agree that we must not leave universal access to chance. That is why I also support a public plan which must be available from day one."

As we have reported over the last few months, NEA supports and is working aggressively for reform that ensures that every person in America has quality, affordable health care coverage. The Association opposes health care proposals that would tax employer-provided health benefits. NEA also supports a choice of plans and providers—both public and private.

Learn more about NEA’s position on health care.


NEA Government Relations 202-822-7300 http://www.nea.org/lac		1201 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036

school safety

noreply@blogger.com (RS) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:36:00 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, July 8, the House Subcommittees on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education and Healthy Families and Communities will hold a joint hearing to examine strategies for improving school safety, including ways to prevent violence, bullying and harassment. Recent studies show students are more likely to succeed academically and graduate when learning environments are free from harassment and violence.

http://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/2009/07/strengthening-school-safety-th.shtml