Series 2558: Constituent Correspondence, 2000-2003
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From: "ECS e-Connection" <e-connection@ecs.org> To: Governor Musgrove Created: 11/1/2000 9:53 AM Subject: ECS e-Connection 11/01/00 Message: Welcome to the "e-Connection" from the EDUCATION COMMISSION OF THE STATES, a weekly e-mail publication with links to key education information. Please give us feedback by replying to this e-mail. ********************************************************** Highlights of this issue: * WHAT STATES ARE DOING: Virginia/best practices, Connecticut/compulsory attendance, technology * GOOD READS: NASBE/education reform, school safety and crime statistics * NEW ECS PUBLICATIONS: Community colleges and service-learning * ECS PROJECT SPOTLIGHT: Teaching quality * NAMES IN THE NEWS: Mike Moses * UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS: Goals panel early- learning teleconference * OTHER USEFUL WEB SITES: Rural education, Harvard Education Letter ********************************************************** ------------------------ WHAT STATES ARE DOING ------------------------ The VIRGINIA Department of Education has eight regional "Governor's Best Practice Centers," which work to help local schools meet the state Standards of Learning (SOLs) and Standards of Accreditation (SOAs). The centers promote partnerships that support public education, and provide assistance and training in leadership, curriculum, instruction, assessment and technology. http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/GBPC/ In its 2000 legislative session, CONNECTICUT raised its compulsory school attendance requirement to age 18. It also passed legislation supporting $10 million in grants for education technology. http://www.cga.state.ct.us/olr/2000MPA/education.htm ------------------------ GOOD READS ------------------------ A new report from the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) strongly criticizes the concept of social promotion but is equally tough on retaining students in grade. "Failure is Not an Option: The Next Stage of EDUCATION REFORM" encourages policymakers to "stay the course" on standards- driven reform and to allow schools and districts more flexibility in curriculum, instructional practices and classroom time. The report was developed over a year's time by state board members from 14 states. http://www.nasbe.org/socialnews.html Two new federal reports examining SCHOOL SAFETY and incidences of crime on school grounds show a mixed picture. The third "Annual Report on School Safety" notes that for students ages 12-18, overall school crime decreased by nearly one-third from 1992-98. Fewer students are carrying weapons or getting involved in physical fights. The second more statistical report, "Indicators of School Crime and Safety," also notes that, from 1995-99, fewer students reported feeling unsafe or noticing the presence of street gangs in their school. The "Annual Report" also details the work of 23 new Safe Schools/Healthy Students grant recipients and contains background on school discipline policies. http://www.ed.gov/PressReleases/10-2000/102600.html http://www.ed.gov/PressReleases/10-2000/102600a.html http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/SDFS/publications.html ------------------------ NEW ECS PUBLICATIONS ------------------------ "The Community College Conscience: Service-Learning and Training Tomorrow's Teachers" looks at how service-learning can help community colleges better link their students to the communities they serve and the role faculty members play in creating good citizens. http://209.151.83.18/clearinghouse/17/57/1757.htm ------------------------ ECS PROJECT SPOTLIGHT ------------------------ Connecting Research and Policy To Strengthen TEACHING QUALITY is one of three projects ECS has on this issue. This particular project addresses the gap between education research and policymakers needs for targeted and trustworthy data that can inform their policy decisions. There are three specific goals: (a) to identify and promote research that is responsive to policymakers most urgent needs for information about teaching quality, (b) to make research findings more accessible and useful to state policymakers, and (c) to increase communication between state policymakers and researchers. For more information, contact Michael Allen at mallen@ecs.org or see: http://pyxis/html/project.asp?ProjectID=21 ------------------------ NAMES IN THE NEWS ------------------------ MIKE MOSES has been named superintendent of the Dallas, Texas, public schools. Currently deputy chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, Moses signed a five-year contract earlier this week. He will take over the position in January, replacing Bill Rojas. Moses was the Texas education commissioner from 1995 to 1999, where he oversaw the school reform law of 1995 and the adoption of a more rigorous school curriculum. He is an ECS commissioner. http://www.dallasnews.com/metro/203780_newmoses_31met.html ------------------------ UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS ------------------------ "Creating High-Quality Preschool: New Ideas for Supporting EARLY-LEARNING Programs" is the focus of an interactive teleconference on November 15 from 4-5 p.m. ET. The program will suggest ways schools and districts can use federal funds and form partnerships to support preschool programs and serve young children. U.S. Department of Education representatives will take questions during the program and answer questions sent by noon November 14. E-mail questions to: OIIA_Satellite_Town_Meeting@ed.gov or fax to 202-205-0676. To register: http://registerevent.ed.gov The National Education Goals Panel, as part of its Year 2000 Agenda, "High Achieving Schools: The Promise, The Results," is hosting a national teleconference on December 6 at 1 p.m. EST. "Rising to the Test: Meeting the Challenges of STANDARDS, ASSESSMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY" will feature a panel discussion with panel members, a conversation between educators and policymakers and a chance for the audience to ask questions. You also may register to host a downlink site. http://www.negp.gov/teleconf/index.htm ------------------------ OTHER USEFUL WEB SITES ------------------------ A new Web site is focusing on developments in rural schools. Known as Navigating Resources for Rural Schools, the site has links to data and information on current and changing conditions in education in rural America, as well as other rural education resources, programs and practices. http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/ruraled The HARVARD EDUCATION LETTER is available online, going back to its 1998 issues. A bimonthly newsletter in education, it explores issues from the perspectives of both research and practice. The site includes a link to a new technology publication. http://www.edletter.org/ ---------------------------------------------------------- If you do not wish to receive this weekly communication, please reply to this e-mail with "unsubscribe" in the subject line. - Attachment Filename: C:\archives\governor\mail\Governor Musgrove\_attach\ECS e-Connection 11_01_00\Mime.822
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