Children and Educators First!

• Delaware's Hidden Underclass

  Imagine completing high school with plans to find a job using your vocational skills and the barrier between you and that career is not the economy, but a piece of paper entitled "Certificate of Performance." 
  
  Frankly speaking, you can't get your foot in the door because the employer' [...]
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  Posted: November 22, 2009, 5:02pm EST
  

• The State of Delaware's High School Graduation Requirements beginning 2011 followed by Christina's

  3.0 Graduation Requirements Beginning with the Class of 2011 [www.doe.k12.de.us]
  
  
  3.1 Beginning with the graduating class of 2011, a public school student shall be granted a State of Delaware Diploma when such student has successfully completed a minimum of twenty two (22) credits in order to graduate [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 10:50am EST
  

• Budget 2011, Education Spending Cuts

  Delaware Dept. of Education seeks leaner budget
  for 2011
  
  
  Request down $3.68 million from fiscal 2010
  [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 8:27am EST
  

• Elementary and Secondary Education Act: Comparability provisions may affect teachers

  NCLB is overdue for re-authorization and will eventually make its way through Congress at the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). 
  
  From Edweek.org
  Education Department to Demand School Pay Data
  
  
  Goal Is to Find Out How Spending Between Title I and Other Schools Differs
  
  By [...]
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  Posted: November 16, 2009, 3:51pm EST
  

• From the Bird's Nest

  My Turn:
  
  Each month, I try to recap the CSD BOE's Public Board Meeting.  As always, this posting is my interpretation of the events of the evening, and does not reflect in any way the views of the Christina School District nor speak for the board itself. These are [...]
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  Posted: November 16, 2009, 9:15am EST
  

• From Tennessee:

  School Board's Bar on Repetitve Speech Upheld
  
  A federal appeals court today upheld a school district's policy of barring frivolous...
  
  from [www.edweek.org]:
  
  http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/school_law/2009/11/court-upholds-school-boards-re.html#trackbacks [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 9:30pm EST
  

• Racing Rules

  Courtesy of Edweek.org.
  
  Rules Set for $4 Billion 'Race to Top' Contest
  
  By Michele McNeill
  
  For a good shot at the $4 billion in grants from the federal Race to the Top Fund, states will need to make a persuasive case for their education reform agenda, demonstrate [...]
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  Posted: November 12, 2009, 2:35pm EST
  

• From the Newark Post:

  [www.newarkpostonline.com]
  
  Thanks Louviers for Partnering with Newark High!
  
  Challenge Program
  
  
  Last month, Louviers Federal Credit Union participated in The Challenge Program's Orientation for Newark High School. The Challenge Program brings together high school students and the business community by providing incentives to students for successes' [...]
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  Posted: November 12, 2009, 11:11am EST
  

• Delaware's Report Card on Educational Innovation

  From the "Leaders and Laggards, A State-by-State Report Card of Educational Innovation," commissioned by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and issued Monday:
  
  "What Is Educational Innovation?
  
  In our view, educational innovation means discarding policies and practices that no longer serve students while creating opportunities for smart, entrepreneurial problem-solvers" [...]
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  Posted: November 10, 2009, 3:01pm EST
  

• Public Board Meeting Tonight!

  Tuesday, November 10 - 7:30 PM
  
  
  Board of Education
  General Business Meeting
  Bayard Middle School
  200 South DuPont Street
  Wilmington, DE
  
  Agenda [...]
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  Posted: November 10, 2009, 11:38am EST
  

• "The Turnaround Dilemma: Convert of Close Down?"

  Twenty-Six Delaware schools are classified as "Under Improvement."
  Nineteen schools actually regressed in the last testing cycle.
  With Race to the Top funding on the line, and more importantly, the futures of so many children, Delaware's educators can't help but wonder ... Convert or Close?  We're not the only ones.
  [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 3:35pm EST
  

• H1N1 Vaccination Schedule

  The State of Delaware will begin Swine Flu vaccinations this week for students in their public schools. Permission forms were due in October for children to be eligible for the innoculations.
  Vaccination Date      
  
  11/2/09                                    Booker T Washington Elementary, CAPITAL
  11/2/09                                    East Dover Elementary , CAPITAL
  11/2/09                                    Brennan School, CHRISTINA
  11/2/09                                    [...]
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  Posted: November 02, 2009, 8:45am EST
  

• From the News Journal Opinion Pages

  [www.delawareonline.com]
  Parents aren't supporting alternative school
  November 1, 2009
  Thank you for your article regarding the Douglass Alternative School. To those parents who call it a reform school, wouldn't you like your child to have a 4-1 student-to-teacher ratio? Do you like the mentoring there? A child [...]
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  Posted: November 01, 2009, 8:24pm EST
  

• CSD Tweets!

  Follow the Tweets at
  [twitter.com]
  
  
  [...]
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  Posted: November 01, 2009, 5:50pm EST
  

• Ever Wonder How They Do It In Other States?

  [www.islandpacket.com]
  
  School chief to refuse bonus, cites tough economic times for district
  
  
  By KATE CERVE
  kcerve@beaufortgazette.com
  843-706-8177
  Published Saturday, October 31, 2009
  
  Beaufort County schools superintendent Valerie Truesdale announced Saturday she will refuse any bonus the Board of Education might award her this year [...]
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  Posted: November 01, 2009, 3:46pm EST
  

• Happy Halloween Eve!

  
  Halloween's a special event in our home, so we've started celebrating early!
  
  Have a safe and happy holiday! [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2009, 8:55am EDT
  

• Chicago School Closings Deemed A Failure

  [www.edweek.org]
  
  Chicago School Closings Found to Yield Few Gains
  
  By Dakarai I. Aarons
  
  
  Premium article access courtesy of Edweek.org.
  
  A majority of Chicago students affected by school closings were sent to schools that were low-performing, just like those they left behind—moves that had [...]
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  Posted: October 28, 2009, 1:46pm EDT
  

• Congratulations to Brandywine's Mary Pinkston!

  Read the News Journal story here:
  
  State of Delaware Teacher of the Year 2010! [...]
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  Posted: October 28, 2009, 8:27am EDT
  

• Funding for Delaware Schools, Part I in a Series

  Part I.  What the Most Recent Legislation Requires:
  
  One of the trickier areas of Boardsmanship for me is Finance and understanding how Christina's schools are funded.  Fortunately, I was able to attend last night's Finance Management for School Board Members class, a mandated course taught in conjunction with Delaware's Department of' [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2009, 10:27pm EDT
  

• School Discipline Task Force Meets in Dover

  From the News Journal:
  [www.delawareonline.com]
  
  Task force works on zero-tolerance rules
  
  Members consider district discretion, statewide code of conduct
  By JENNIFER PRICE • The News Journal • October 27, 2009
  
  A Legislative task force is hoping to change state laws and school discipline policies to [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2009, 8:38am EDT
  

• The Sale of Newark's Chrysler Plant

  The News Journal has one perspective:  [www.delawareonline.com]
  
  Mine's a little different -- When UD consumes the Chrysler property, the Christina School District will lose a substantial amount of revenue b/c UD does not pay school taxes... Will we find a way to function without it?  Absolutely.  But, it still' [...]
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  Posted: October 26, 2009, 2:22pm EDT
  

• From the News Journal:

  Alternative Schools
  Despite public perception, these programs offer students the individualized -- and positive -- attention they need
  
  
  By JENNIFER PRICE • The News Journal • October 25, 2009
  
  There are no metal detectors at Christina School District's alternative school. Police officers don't patrol the [...]
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  Posted: October 25, 2009, 7:00pm EDT
  

• under renovation

  Trying out some new layouts ... should be back up soon! (Should have known better...)
  
  Elizabeth [...]
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  Posted: October 25, 2009, 1:59pm EDT
  

• Upcoming Schedule

  Okay, time to update the schedule for all the dedicated readers:
  
  Where I've been:
  Oct 12 - Agenda Prep, Drew
  Oct 13 - Board Meeting, Porter Rd.
  Oct 14 - Tour of Christiana High School
  Oct 14 - CNN Live with Campbell Brown
  Oct 21 - Tour of Brader' [...]
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  Posted: October 24, 2009, 5:04pm EDT
  

• 504s and IEPs

  From: [specialchildren.about.com]
  
  Question: What is a 504 plan?
  
  Answer: The "504" in "504 plan" refers to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which specifies that no one with a disability can be excluded from participating in federally funded programs or activities, [...]
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  Posted: October 23, 2009, 7:45pm EDT
  

• Teacher Contract Called Potential Model for Nation

  Published Online: October 21, 2009
  Teacher Contract Called Potential Model for Nation
  By Stephen Sawchuk
  Premium article access courtesy of Edweek.org.
  
  A teacher contract approved in New Haven that lays the groundwork for changes to the way teachers in the Connecticut city are paid, supported, and evaluated, has been [...]
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  Posted: October 22, 2009, 11:55pm EDT
  

• Alternative does NOT mean Reform!

  From the Christina School District E-News (with my thoughts following):
  
  District Clarifies That "Alternative School" Does Not Mean "Reform School"
  
  One of the most negative aspects of the national media attention the Christina School District received this week was the characterization of its alternative placement program for young [...]
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  Posted: October 18, 2009, 9:02pm EDT
  

• Christina School District - NEWS

  Christina School District - NEWS
  
  Christina Board Amends Student Code of Conduct for Youngest Students
  The Christina Board of Education voted unanimously on October 13 to amend the 2009-2010 Student Code of Conduct as it applies to Kindergarten and First Grade students charged with Level III offenses.
  
  [...]
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  Posted: October 17, 2009, 11:23pm EDT
  

• DE Shortage of Speech Paths Takes Toll

  Shortage of pathologists takes toll
  Specialists can make a world of difference for children, but schools don't have enough professionals to go around
  By EDWARD L. KENNEY • The News Journal • October 17, 2009
  
  
  Three-year-old Jack Stomieroski was not talking much.
  
  His mother Kate knew something' [...]
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  Posted: October 17, 2009, 6:01pm EDT
  

• Delaware Proud!

  [...]
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  Posted: October 17, 2009, 4:50pm EDT
  

• Hero: Scout with Autism Saves Teacher's Life

  [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 2:47pm EDT
  

• This Week in Delaware

  While Christina took a national beating for its zero tolerance policies (and I have the death threats to prove it,) it's been a busy week for the rest of the state:
  
  (From the News Journal at delawareonline.com)
  -- Tuesday, a 16-year-old Cape Henlopen High School boy was arrested [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 8:50pm EDT
  

• Board Amends Code!!! More to come later

  [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 8:30am EDT
  

• On Zero Tolerance and National Controversy

  1) I do not and cannot speak for the Board. This blog reflects my personal views on the issues that continue to prevent all CSD children from attaining a world-class education.
  
  2) I was elected to this unpaid position by constituents who wanted Accountability, Transparency, a return to Best [...]
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  Posted: October 12, 2009, 10:01pm EDT
  

• Susan Klebold Speaks Out in Opera Mag

  Do you remember where you were when you first heard about the Columbine Massacre?
  
  I was walking through the offices of The Review, UD's student newspaper. What struck me at the moment was not unequivocal loss of life, but the relationship I had to Columbine High School. My grandfather [...]
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  Posted: October 11, 2009, 10:59pm EDT
  

• 1 in 91 children will be diagnosed with Autism

  What will be the impact for Delaware, Christina, and the Statewide Delaware Autism Program, of which Christina was designated to be the steward when the program was established by Delaware Code 30 years ago?
  
  
  From: The News Journal
  Our View
  New surveys indicate autism [...]
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  Posted: October 10, 2009, 2:38pm EDT
  

• Around the World in 180 days

  From time to time I like to give an update -- where I have been, what I have been doing, and where I am going. A little Stalker-friendly, yes. But, I think I owe voters, parents, and educators transparency and accountibility.
  
  Since the last Board Meeting, I've attended the' [...]
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  Posted: October 09, 2009, 3:07pm EDT
  

• Public Notice

  The Christina Board of Education will conduct an Agenda Preparation Meeting on Monday, October 12, 2009, 12:00 Noon, at the Drew Educational Support Center. The purpose of the meeting is to review and receive materials for the October 13, 2009 Board of Education Meeting.
  This meeting is being posted because [...]
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  Posted: October 09, 2009, 2:59pm EDT
  

• What's a 48 Hour Meeting?

  Time to teach the Board Member:
  
  Would you please share with me your experiences of a "48 Hour Meeting?" You can do so anonymously using the comment link at the bottom of this post.
  
  Your time and effort is always appreciated,
  Elizabeth Scheinberg [...]
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  Posted: October 09, 2009, 1:30pm EDT
  

• Groundbreaking for the new DSD!

  An absolutely joyous event! And a moving ceremony, especially the Blue Hawk fight cheer! A proud moment for some amazing children! Thank You DE Legislators for seeing the funding through!
  
  [www.delawareonline.com] [...]
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  Posted: October 07, 2009, 10:53pm EDT
  

• Survey: Should the school day/year be lengthened?

  Obama Wants Longer School Days, Year For Kids
  [www.delawareonline.com]
  
  What do you think? [...]
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  Posted: September 28, 2009, 11:08am EDT
  

• Delaware's not in the Top 4, but we do make the list

  From Education Weekly at [blogs.edweek.org]
  
  Ed. Dept.: 4 States Are Ripe for Stimulus Slip-Ups
  Buried deep within the latest GAO report (Government Accoutability Office, the investigative arm of Congress) on states' use of economic-stimulus funds is some interesting insight into how the U.S. Department of Education is' [...]
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  Posted: September 24, 2009, 9:22pm EDT
  

• From National PTA:

  Contact Your Members of Congress Today!
  Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) is up for reauthorization and this month marks the 35th anniversary of JJDPA. JJDPA provides the major source of federal funding to improve states’ juvenile justice systems and sets federal standards for the protection and rehabilitation of [...]
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  Posted: September 23, 2009, 3:04pm EDT
  

• DCAS finally out for re-bid!

  From the DOE website:
  
  New Student Assessment System Out for Re-Bid Release Date: Sep 22, 2009 10:07 AM
  
  (Dover, DE.) The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) has released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the new statewide student assessment system known as the Delaware Comprehensive Assessment System (DCAS). [...]
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  Posted: September 22, 2009, 9:32pm EDT
  

• My Personal Response to Unionization

  This note is in response to a recent constituent request to both the Board and me, personally, and in keeping with the mission of this blog, I will share my answer here. My opinions are mine alone and do not represent those of the Christina School District or its Board [...]
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  Posted: September 19, 2009, 12:32pm EDT
  

• September Public Board Meeting Recap

  (As always, this is my view of the events of the evening and do not reflect that of the Christina School District. Official minutes of the meeting will be posted on the district website at
  [www.christina.k12.de.us] )
  
  This was an evening rich in public comment.
  
  The Meeting [...]
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  Posted: September 17, 2009, 9:30am EDT
  

• Ground Rules

  There's a saying in the health care industry that folks from direct care givers to management live and breathe by. Million dollar lawsuits have been won and lost on eight easy words; If it wasn't written down, it didn't happen!
  
  Incident reports, the distribution of meds, doctors notes,' [...]
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  Posted: September 16, 2009, 8:35pm EDT
  

• Bringing the Blog up to Speed

  Jack Markell on Education Via today's News Journal:
  
  "Markell said it is the single most important element to sustaining a healthy economy in Delaware and said his administration has supported initiatives such as giving teachers and administrators more say in how they can best reach students and administering different'" [...]
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  Posted: September 15, 2009, 12:46pm EDT
  

• Reader Comment and My Reply

  "How do you work with people you seem to loathe, peope you are accusing of doing nothing for years?"
  
  
  
  It's a fair question.
  
  But, first let's clarify:
  
  It's not about my personal feelings for anyone. It's about the job I was elected to do, which [...]
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  Posted: September 07, 2009, 11:21am EDT
  

• Have You Seen Me?

  If you've been to the Board website, you haven't. My contact information is posted, but we are still working on a photo.
  
  Where you might have seen/spoken to me during the last two weeks:
  
  1. Porter Rd. Elementary Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
  2. Leasure Elementary Open House
  3. West [...]
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  Posted: September 06, 2009, 10:35am EDT