FYI---Delay of the Keystone Exams

From:   Carolyn C. Dumaresq, Deputy Secretary
        Office of Elementary and Secondary Education

Re:     Delay of the Keystone Exams

The purpose of this message is to insure a clear understanding of the proposed one year delay of the implementation of the Keystone Exams and to restate the Department's expectations with regard to the spring testing cycle.  The Keystone exams will be implemented in May 2011 as planned. All seventh and eighth grade students enrolled in Algebra I and Biology (where applicable) in school districts that plan to use the Keystone Exam as part of their future graduation requirements must participate in the program this spring.  According to the regulations, these students will be exempt from the proficiency requirement since cut scores will not be set until after school ends.

All other students enrolled in classes for which a Keystone Exam is available are encouraged to participate in both the operational and field tests.  Data from the May 2011 operational administration will be used to determine cut scores for the performance levels for these assessments.  In addition, participating districts will receive useful data about the performance of their current students on the new exams.

The State Budget proposal for next year (2011 - 2012), presented by Governor Corbett, proposes a one-year pause in the development and implementation of Keystone Exams.   It is important to note that this delay will not adversely impact students.  As noted above, in developing this initiative the State Board of Education anticipated that fiscal challenges might require course corrections in implementation of the reform and included a waiver provision to ensure that no student is negatively affected by a delay in implementation.  The additional time also will allow districts to make certain that local curriculum is fully aligned with the content assessed by Keystones and to provide associated professional development.

The Department's work on other components of the new high school graduation requirements - including development of the project-based alternative assessments - will continue to move ahead.   Additionally, the voluntary model curriculum, classroom diagnostic tools and other SAS resources - key components of the broader reform - will continue to serve students and schools during 2011-2012.

Sincerely,

Carolyn C. Dumaresq, Ed.D.

Itinerary for tomorrow

Icebreaker: The Budget
Presentation M. Johnson Group
Presentation D. Johnson Group
Review of reading
Sharing of log experiences
Interview panel:
Mr. Baddick Crestwood
Mr. Long Nanticoke
Mr. Pipech Lake Lehman

Interesting Clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3I4_8_MAPk

Gov's Address Today

https://mail.ltsd.k12.pa.us/owa/redir.aspx?C=2d8f887a1cff4eb4876ccda93cdb8b69&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.heretohelp.pa.gov%2fportal%2fserver.pt%2fcommunity%2fmedia%2f3013

Budget Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7lGTxBjJ1g&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

The 2011-2012 State Budget proposal

From: ED, Office of Secretary Tomalis [RA-PDESecretary@state.pa.us]
Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 4:13 PM
To: ED, Office of Secretary Tomalis
Subject: Keystone Exams

Dear Superintendents, I.U. Executive Directors, Charter School Administrators and CTC Directors:

The 2011-2012 State Budget proposal presented by Governor Corbett today includes many difficult decisions to address a significant budget shortfall.  While the Department remains committed to the new system of high school graduation requirements that took effect just over one year ago, fiscal constraints will delay implementation of certain provisions, including the use of Keystone Exams during the 2011-2012 school year.                                                             

The Governor’s proposal reflects a one-year pause in the development and implementation of Keystone Exams.  It is important to note that this delay will not adversely impact students.  Fortunately, in developing this initiative the State Board of Education anticipated that fiscal challenges might require course corrections in implementation of the reform and included a waiver provision to ensure that no student is negatively affected by a delay in implementation.  The additional time also will allow districts to make certain that local curriculum is fully aligned with the content assessed by Keystones and to provide associated professional development.

The Department’s work on other components of the new high school graduation requirements – including development of the project-based alternative assessments – will continue to move ahead.   Additionally, the voluntary model curriculum, classroom diagnostic tools and other SAS resources – key components of the broader reform – will continue to serve students and schools during 2011-2012.

Attached, we’ve provided a Frequently Asked Questions document that responds to potential questions surrounding the implementation of Keystone Exams.  Please continue to use the graduation requirements resource account – https://mail.ltsd.k12.pa.us/owa/redir.aspx?C=2d8f887a1cff4eb4876ccda93cdb8b69&URL=mailto%3ara-gradreq%40state.pa.us – to raise any questions or concerns.  Thank you for your ongoing support in implementing this initiative, and for all your work on behalf of Pennsylvania’s school children.

We’ll continue to be in touch.

Sincerely,

Ronald J. Tomalis

Acting Secretary of Education

Keystone Exams FAQs

1.       Is the PDE still going to implement the new system of high school graduation requirements?

Yes; however, fiscal constraints will delay implementation of certain provisions, including the use of Keystone Exams during the 2011-2012 school year.

2.       Why the delay?

The delay is a result of a combination of factors including the $20 million cost anticipated for 2011-12.  In addition these exams are rigorous and early results from the field tests and Class Diagnostic tests indicate that providing schools with an additional year to align their curriculum to this more challenging content is necessary.  Lastly, the project-based assessment component of the Chapter 4 regulations requires additional time for development and field testing.

3.       When will the specific Keystone Exams be available?

During 2012-2013, the following exams will be available:  Literature, English Composition, Algebra I, and Biology.  A Social Studies Keystone will be field tested in 2012-2013 for use during 2013-2014.

4.       When will the Keystone Exams replace the grade 11 PSSAs?

The PSSA will continue through 2012-2013.  We expect the Keystones to be approved and in use for AYP during 2013-2014.  This timeline aligns precisely with the transition plan for the newly-adopted Pennsylvania Common Core Standards.

5.       Will PDE still provide supports to districts?

Yes.  The Voluntary Model Curriculum, Classroom Diagnostic Tools (CDT), and other SAS resources will not be impacted by the one-year delay in Keystone Exam development and administration. 

6.       How will this change in the schedule impact students in the Classes of 2015, 2016, and beyond?

The State Board’s rulemaking provides adequate flexibility in the language of Chapter 4 Regulations:  

“Students who will graduate in the 2014-2015 school year or thereafter, who successfully complete courses… for which Keystone Exams or local validated assessments were not available at the time the course was completed, shall be deemed proficient for purposes of this section.”

Essentially, these students are exempt from the state proficiency requirement.  Local district requirements will not be impacted.

7.       Is there a guarantee of funding for Keystones to continue in 2012-2013?

The Keystone Exams create an opportunity for consistency in the rigor of requirements for all students in Pennsylvania public high schools prior to graduation therefore, it is imperative that we continue with this effort.  PDE remains committed to the Keystone program and expect it to continue subject to annual funding.

8.       Should School Districts continue, as planned, to participate in the spring 2011 Keystone Exam testing program?

Yes.  It is important to participate for two reasons.  First, the data will be used to set the cut scores for the performance levels.   Second, districts will receive useful Keystone Exam results for the students who participate.

Schools faced with thinning budgets

On Nightly News Tonight-
Should schools struggling with budgetary constraints be able to furlough veteran teachers?
- New Jersey (Chris Christie) and Wisconsin are carrying the torch which Rhode Island fired up! Remember the Rhode Island school which dismissed all teachers and offered them to reapply? They are looking for a "renewable contract." Just think about how this will affect the position of principal? Let's make this our discussion topic Sunday.

Keystones out-- for now!

WBRE just announced that the Keystone Exams are out- for now,  due to lack of funding. Just think of all the preparations schools across the Commonwealth have made! Oh well, back to PSSA haven. Also, check out the Nightly New about teacher tenure "on the rocks." They are running specials all week.

Itinerary for Class 3-12-11

Chapters 4-5-6 Cunningham • CL2 C- Highly qualified staff/ research based practice • SP2 – 5- Data to identify struggling students • Sharing of log intern experiences • Research topics /Section 2: Review of Literature Topics/ case studies

Good Thing There Were No Classes on 3-6

Sunday-February 27 11:45 pacific time of course...

Wow dessert is already on the table. Linda will be our guest speaker for closing ceremonies and lunch will be served.
-While I know complained Friday about the technology issues most speakers had due to the copies of their presentations not getting here this was a pretty good gig.
-Quotes that popped up on the screen while I was waiting: Good idea for when people are coming in----There is a brilliant child locked up inside every student---Education has for it's object the character--Replace an empty mind with an open one ...malcom Forbes---Education is when you read the fine print---Every student can learn just not on the same day and in the same way ..Plato quote about children and education...They may forget what you said but they will-- Remember the way you made them feel!
-Chinese proverb....Education is not about filling the bucket, but lighting the fire!
-Jana Freiler pres of nassp.....Wow this thing is starting and it is empty. Guess lots of people outta here. I get extra dessert!

-Finally. Here's Linda----Developing powerful teaching. What principals should know and be able to do. We can do a lot together to help develop strong teachers but it is a vast endeavor
-But there are things Teaching in 21st is much ahead of 20th
-She showed Ferris Beuler's clip of his social studies teacher
-We need someone who not only knows the content but someone who can be a more effective teacher by making connections to that contact
--Clip of teacher explaining properties of cytoplasm....
-Students have to be okay with making a mistake and they need to know they will not be ridiculed by classmates
-Effective teachers-Engage students in active learning
-Create intellectually ambitious tasks
-Use a variety of teaching strategies
-Assess student learning continuously and adapt teaching to student needs-
-effective scaffolds and supports
-Provide clear standards, constant feedback and opportunities for revising work
-Develop and effectively manage the classroom community
-Equitable teaching
-They have ways to know and understand kids
-They See hear and understand each child
-Great teachers are ones who find a way to motivate
-Good teachers matter greatly
-Research finds that student learning isnrelated to Teachers strong academic background
-Quality preparation prior to entry
-Certification in field taught
-Experience 3 years or more National board certified
-Curriculum is a mile wide and an inch deep
-Professional development is hit and run
-Teachers in the us teach more hours with less planning time
-They also have significantly less professional development and learning
-SUCCESSFUL transportation beyond reconstitution
-The Benwood Initiative in Chatanooga schools
-Sent from my iPad

Sunday 9 am.

Went and grabbed power points from some of the presenters and now I am at Grading malpraticeDagget is going up against Whitaker 10:30 Linda darling Hammond at lunch. So grading malpractice-If we believe all students can learn we need to believe teachers can learn too!Teachers are not afraid of change they are are afraid to use the change because they are afraid they will go away!Focus by Schmoker. Good book6 things1Have a solid understanding of the types and purpose of assessment"nothing is formative until it is used"2Be aware of and outraged at the quality of assessment in your building and the lack of "real time" formative assessments3Have a solid understanding that getting and supporting teachers to: identify essential standards or unwrap them and crate proficiency scales tied to them4Tackle the grading practices but the other conversations have to happen first5New evidence of learning must replace old evidence of learning6You have to involve students in tracking and sharing in their learningWRITE HIS DOWN!How to get better administratively. Take three kids out of the class after observing and ask them whatbthey are learning and hownthey are learning and how they are doing grade wise in the class? Many kiddos do not know how they are doing.zeroes- I am teaching them to be responsibleThere are kids that do just fine with traditional grading practicesEveryone is different and need different motivations There are students that just say I am not doing this- or heat it's not due til ThursdayWe have acted ansociet of points and cheating takes place most in the honors student world So what is the integrity of the grade?LearningQualityDestinationCommon agreementLong term retentionStudent involvementAuthentic experiencesThese need to be achieved through small stepsHow about a standards based grade book.Teachers identify the essential standardsThe grades in the grade book reflect the degree to which standards are achievedTracking learning rant her than doingRUBRICS. Why are they better?get the book Totally Positive Teaching and Teaching as LeadershipAre grading practices doing more harm than good?Hot topics-Giving points for non academic behaviors. It should not be used a a classroom management tool. And extra credit. NO!-giving zeroes on a 100 point scale. It's not about giving zeroes it is about zeroes on a 100 percent scaleLetter to the editor by Jennifer Starsinic Hummelstown middle school. Check it outHere's an interesting point - if homework can be copied it should not be given. Where is the higherordernthinking skills. Why bother.Homework should be independent practice not busy work. It is a behavior if assigned as busy workFournfundamental problems of zeroesI is not incomplete it isninsufficient evidenceNo zeroes 50 will balance the ratio. Nongrades lower than 50Mean median mode or rubric.10:30 Sunday -starting off with Whitaker what great principals do differentlyRead the book and saw the webinair so probably will go to see Dr. Bill shortlyThe amount of praise given should be based on the actions of the students not the mood of the teacherTalking about learning from good people what to fo and not so good people what not to do....This is straight from the book. Heading over to see Dr. BillOur problem is not simply standards but design as well so the common core will help but not the only thing to think about. We need to think about the system.Many of our efforts to transform education look like the same old system!We believe that standardized scows are an accurate measure of student learning and successThe learning criteria to support 21st century learners (international center for leadership in education)We need to figure out how to get to engaging the learner inWe need to talk about how kids are doing after school and how they are doing in the workforce as well as society not just standardized test scoresThe planAll high school students take art. And dies would get excited. We need more scientists and mathematicians in the country so all kids are taking moreWe have created avenues that do not make sense for some of our studentsMotivation is the key ingredient. Mandates do not work for students. Tell the teachers that it does not work for them either THEME-strategic plan and planningJust be because strategic is in the plan that does not mean you have strategyIf you go into a game with a plan it does not take long to start using strategiesSchool improvement requires new learning from adults.....Detecting improvement. Know there is lagging behind change. Changes in the classroom can be monitored You need to lead cautiously and slowly. He talked about how we moved from the old check in the hand procedure to direct deposit and all the problems from unions when schools moved to direct deposit lolAlso talked about how the Sears corporation asked customers how to get better. Maybe we need to ask the teachers and they need to ask the kids. THEME10 symptoms of decline-lack of leadership. Principal has to provide a focus and direction around addressing key priorities-do not add more rules and harsher punishments-lost focus. School lacks clear academic priorities. If everything seems like a priority then nothing is a priority-poor alignment of instruction with standardsSent from my iPad

Sat. 3:15PM

Critical areas legal issues 3:15 SaturdayJim hager and bob McCord 1. Search and seizure TLO at threat. NJTLO is our standards we only need reasonable suspicion MOMS LAWVeronia vs Acton expanded warrantless search as condition of participationPottawatomiew v Earls expanded acceptance Nationwide Savanna Redding v united unified school district There is a video about her being strip searched by the VPShe was 13 years old at the time. They were searching for Tylenol Hit the nationwide newsStevens and Ginsberg liberal side of the court wanted the administrator held liable1985 TLO set for ordinary searches such as backpacksSearch can't be intrusive in nature of age and what they are searching for. it was a judgement callGinsberg wants to take TLO from usFourth amendment. Search and seizure SRO cannot be used by local law enforcementRDS vs state of TennesseeIssue 2 establishment of what? It's like the gum on the bottom of your shoeThe issue is about First Amendment. Often forgotten is the liberty provision of the 14th amendmentThe big three continuing collisionsHow to buy their lawyer a new lexis cartoonDistribution of religious materials, emerging religious liberties, graduation speechesCourts have identified schools as limited public forum where some control ofnspeech ismaccepted- courts are NOT unanimous!The fifth circuit has taken a look at this. Tinker Fraser hazlewoodDouglas public high school. The students watched the parade The student had the banner Bong hits for Jesus. He was suspended and the principal took away the banner. The lawyer said it was free speech and out of school while the school deemed it as a field trip and under school expectationsThis was on CNNThe essential piece is that the principal was sued and threatened with personal liability. It was not upheld. Principals are not lawyers but due to their position they need to make quick decisions every day. But the supreme court has the final sayMontana 2010 says some points ofnreligion should be allowed at graduationToday show clip. Foothill high Henderson NevadaShe had the plug pulled because she said she filled many voids in her life with God. She was warned and thatened that the plug would be pulled if she said these items.Brittany Mccalum. Look this one up. She agreed to give the edited version but said she felt backed into a corner so she did it anywayTook almost 4 years in the courts. Guess the school and principal were rightDistance runner was stripped of her medal Kelly was conforming to her Muslim faith. This was on the APMaine cartoon of the 11 year old with a condom given to them. What is a reasonable accommodation?3 superintendent/private counsel relationsA third party investigation on campusSeventh circuit said the school must release information Sandra TE v S Berwyn school districts 100, 600 engagement lettersAthletics and advisement liabilityNCAA mandatory concussion management plan NSFHSReview the liabilities with parents prior to season is suggestedSuicide check Eisel v board of education out of MarylandSuicide prevention. Be aware they occur in threesSuicide Prevention PlanHarris v Parkway, calabretta and flloydESI Electronically stored informationEmails are like cockroaches they will survive the nuclear attackThe delete button is not connected to anything. Always a record of it. Never place anything in an email that you do not want the entirenworld to readOCR. Bullying investigationsLook p teacher bullying7 plyler at riskImmigration lawsSB 1070 ArizonaStudent discipline proceeds mostly involves special Ed student disciplineCyberspeech unprotected speechTinker v hazlewood. The old black armband decisionSo what is a threat?US v. DinwiddleEvolving first amendment issues mixing speech and religion Harper v PowayMorse v Frederick alcohol and drug issueStudent discipline on plagiarism Policy before action9 employment issuesLower merion webcamCopyrighted lesson plans. Nope they are the districts done under employment IssuesSocial networksDisparaging comments9th circuit 10 supreme courtWinn v Arizona Christian school tuition organizationJustice Souter v judge sotomayorLegal clips. Free subscribeNational school boards association every Thursday morningNational school board website (legal clips)Sent from my iPad

Middle level assembly 1:45 pm

Richard Ramsey. Now we are talking This guy is the real dealOur children are talking to us every day but sometimes we are not listeningWe have to stop labeling students. That student we call slow can still smile ear to ear Don't judge themWelcome to the world in the middle by Richard RamseyIt all begins in the middleIn the middle is where we make the Difference!WE must build bridges for the studentsWords and wisdom of MAYA ANGELOU-I've learned that no matter what happens today or how bad it seems, life does go on, and it will be a better tomorrow-I've learned that making a living is not the same as making a life-I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chanceNone of us is anything until the least of us is somethingIf you don't love what you do, you won't do it with much conviction or passionIf you are waiting for easy street stop- because that bus is not comingRELATIONSHIPS PROCESSES PRODUCTSIf we kick the kids out we can have less teachers- good line when teachersbtell you to throw students out!Very important to connect with students by talking with them and not AT themAttitude expectations and a sense of humornare the keys to being a middle school educator or administratorI have to remember to tell everyone the Mrs. Johnson story with the obit.I WISH EVERYONE COULD SEE AND HEAR THIS GUY. I am so engaged I can't take notes...Expect the best because you get what you expectWe can't let teachers look at students and predetermined their successWhen you make kids feel special they will do anything for youKids will say some things to you that will make youbcrazy if you let it! Remind teachers about that too...Yelling does not effect middle school students. You have to be active and do something unexpectedOne teacher was being disrespected so she laid across the floor by the door one day. The kids said whatbare you doing laying on the floor and she said you are treating me like a rug so I figured I would make it easier for you to walk all over me. That was different!Developmental needsVoiceBelongingChoiceFreedomImaginationSuccess-Used the dial up parent call. Ie to lie about why student was absent etc and it was hilariousHow do you build relationshipsTalknwith studentsVisibilityApproachableAvailableBuild communityHave a listening earShow you careLeave your ego at the doorUse self disclosure when appropriate. Be a real personThe 6 PsPriorProperPlanningPreventPoorPerformanceWe all have to stop playing the blame game. I think every speaker has said this during the past three days Programs don't change people, people change peopleEight Habits of the Heart Nurturing attitudeHigh expectationsCourageHopeWe all have to step out of our comfort zone sometimesNobody wants to push the train but everyone wants to ride itHow can you make your students feel welcome in your school?How can you boost your students views of themselves?How can you protect your students of today's problems?This guy is amazing. He even closed with playing "hero" in the background and reciting what matters most about leadershipTell kids they can make it when don't think they can and don't quit. Never quit. Show them you care HE IS BRINGING PEOPLE TO TEARS. Don't eve let anyone tell you that you cant be somebody!If you can get parents to tell you to never stop doing what you are doing. Go out and love a child!Sent from my iPad

National Conference Saturday 9 am

Bill Dagget in the house
Opened up with a show of hands of how many people think there is a problem in education
Then asked people to raise their hands if they felt they were the problem. Lol who the heck would raise their hand.
Our schools are not failing -the graduation rate is up,We are getting better but we all have to admit we need to get better.
No more blame game!Schools are improving!Lesson number oneThe teachers and administrators are not working any harder in any states but they are working differently.
Lessons learned inform emerging learning@Create a culture.
We do not have a culture that supports change but often looks and says change is a bad thing@Instruction not structure- does not matter what schedule etc what matters is the instruction (don't change my 1990 lesson plan- I have it laminated lol) Those same teachers say this too shall pass@Essential vs.Nice to know this nation has never met a standard it did not like, hmmmmm.
But common core will take us there@Teacher evaluation is the 600 pound bear in the roomWhy do we need to change? It's not because schools are failing. Technology is changing....how many people have googles something in the last 24 hoursWolf Ram Alpha -check it outDagget went on and showed a clip then he asked if anyone had googles wolf ram alpha?
He said if our students do that many teachers say they are cheating.lol what a great point.Lexile framework study for readingTalked about levels of knowledge and the four quadrantsLevel A is low level knowledge STATE TESTSRigor and relevance frameworkRelevance makes rigor possible!National essential skills studyeliminate department chair people with interdisciplinary chair peopleWhat do all kids need for math. They need to be proficient in BASIC MATHEMATICSThere are are actually about 1/3 of standards not testedThe questions on tests are going to go from quadrant a to d
THE GORILLA in the roomTeacher evaluation TAKE CONTROL or BE CONTROLLEDThe tests measue and challenge the top 1/3 of the studentsRubrics are needed to stretch studentsKids have become passiveThey are not engagedHis list of Guiding Principles are what we want our kids to be - academia is not on it.
The media has slipped upFamilies have slipped upwe need to make sure we don't Bottom line- make a three year transition planI am asking for the PowerPoint.
Sent from my iPad