Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Monday, April 8, 2013
Cheating in Atlanta Schools
Some of you probably read the title and thought this article would be about students cheating, but it is really about thirty-five educators in the Atlanta School system who are accused of cheating,
concealing cheating or retaliating against whistleblowers in an effort
to bolster test scores and obtain pay bonuses. The cheating has been traced all the way back to 2005.
Former Atlanta Public schools superintendent Beverly Hall was freed on a $200,000 bond recently. Hall was named national superintendent of the year in 2009 by the American Association of School Administrators mainly because of student improvement on standardized tests. The 35 defendants include four high- level executive administrators, six principals, two assistant principals, six testing coordinators, 14 teachers, a school improvement specialist and a school secretary. They were indicted on 65 counts, including racketeering, making false statements and improperly influencing witnesses.
The investigation began after there were reports of widespread erasures on student state competency tests in 2009. Investigators conducted over 2,100 interviews and reviewed 800,000 documents of middle and elementary schools before determining that 44 of the 56 schools had engaged in score changing. Seven teachers have confessed to test tampering. The most significant example is Parks Middle School, which had a student reading competency pass rate increase from 50 percent to 81 percent in one year. The proof of grade tampering became apparent when test scores under the cheating investigation dropped substantially when added test security prevented staff from changing wrong answers.
How could something like this happen? Part of the problem is the "high stakes" nature of state testing. There are consequences for how students perform on these once a year tests, including pay bonuses tied to student scores and state sanctions for low performing schools. Some school districts tie teacher evaluation to student performance. So when these schools didn't think they could get the results they want by improving instruction, they resorted to cheating.
Nebraska Schools are in the process of giving the state assessments in reading, mathematics and science. To ensure that the tests are being administered properly, school principals must sign off that the testing rules will be enforced and state test monitors visit school random schools to check for compliance. Last week we had a test monitor sit in on our 7th grade reading testing.
We don't give staff bonuses or evaluate teachers based student performance on the state assessments. It doesn't make sense to make decisions based on a single test. I like to make decisions based on individual student growth over time using a combination of the state test (given once a year), the MAP achievement tests and DIBELS assessments (given three times a year), and classroom assessments (given continuously).
At Bancroft-Rosalie, we provide student rewards for test performance to motivate each student to do their best. If they don't give their best effort, the test results won't be a valid measure of the students' ability- making the test results meaningless. Like the test results from Atlanta.
Former Atlanta Public schools superintendent Beverly Hall was freed on a $200,000 bond recently. Hall was named national superintendent of the year in 2009 by the American Association of School Administrators mainly because of student improvement on standardized tests. The 35 defendants include four high- level executive administrators, six principals, two assistant principals, six testing coordinators, 14 teachers, a school improvement specialist and a school secretary. They were indicted on 65 counts, including racketeering, making false statements and improperly influencing witnesses.
The investigation began after there were reports of widespread erasures on student state competency tests in 2009. Investigators conducted over 2,100 interviews and reviewed 800,000 documents of middle and elementary schools before determining that 44 of the 56 schools had engaged in score changing. Seven teachers have confessed to test tampering. The most significant example is Parks Middle School, which had a student reading competency pass rate increase from 50 percent to 81 percent in one year. The proof of grade tampering became apparent when test scores under the cheating investigation dropped substantially when added test security prevented staff from changing wrong answers.
How could something like this happen? Part of the problem is the "high stakes" nature of state testing. There are consequences for how students perform on these once a year tests, including pay bonuses tied to student scores and state sanctions for low performing schools. Some school districts tie teacher evaluation to student performance. So when these schools didn't think they could get the results they want by improving instruction, they resorted to cheating.
Nebraska Schools are in the process of giving the state assessments in reading, mathematics and science. To ensure that the tests are being administered properly, school principals must sign off that the testing rules will be enforced and state test monitors visit school random schools to check for compliance. Last week we had a test monitor sit in on our 7th grade reading testing.
We don't give staff bonuses or evaluate teachers based student performance on the state assessments. It doesn't make sense to make decisions based on a single test. I like to make decisions based on individual student growth over time using a combination of the state test (given once a year), the MAP achievement tests and DIBELS assessments (given three times a year), and classroom assessments (given continuously).
At Bancroft-Rosalie, we provide student rewards for test performance to motivate each student to do their best. If they don't give their best effort, the test results won't be a valid measure of the students' ability- making the test results meaningless. Like the test results from Atlanta.
Friday, April 5, 2013
PPACA- Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Most of this information is from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska.
PPACA, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (also known as ObamaCare), has regulations that are scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2014. These regulations will bring about significant changes to employer group health plans of all sizes.
Here are changes that the Bancroft-Rosalie School group health plan must comply with:
1. 90 day waiting period maximum.
Waiting periods for coverage cannot be longer than 90 days.
2. Removal of pre-existing condition limitations and/or exclusions.
Coverage must be provided on a guarantee issue basis without any exclusion for pre-existing conditions.
3. Employee cost sharing limits.
Annual cost sharing limits can be no more then the current maximums established for Health savings account eligible high deductible health plans- $6400 for individuals and $12,800 for families in 2014. This cost sharing limit includes all deductibles, coinsurance and copay amounts under the plan.
4. Notice of Marketplace (exchange) availability.
Employers must provide employees with a notice regarding the availability of coverage through the Marketplace (formerly called the Exchange).
5. Minimum value.
In order to avoid paying the Employer Shared Responsibility penalties, all non-grandfathered plans must provide "minimum value", which is defined as providing coverage for at least 60% of the average employee's eligible expenses.
6. Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute Fee
The IRS is assessing employer group plans a $1 per covered person fee (increasing to $2 October 1, 2013) to fund research on the health care treatments for certain conditions. The Omaha World Herald today had an article about how the University of Nebraska hoped to receive some of these funds for their research projects.
7. Transitional Reinsurance Fund Fee
A per-enrollee fee to fund a transitional reinsurance program (help pay for the added costs of PPACA).
The annual fee for 2014 is expected to be $63 oer covered person. This fee applies to all group health plan participants including dependents (the fee for a family of four would be $252). This fee will be included in the premiums charged.
The school Blue Cross Blue Shield premiums for next year will be going up 6%. Three percent is due to the increased costs of medical service and 3% because of the added fees and costs associated with PPACA, according to information provided by the Nebraska Council of School Administrators.
PPACA, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (also known as ObamaCare), has regulations that are scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2014. These regulations will bring about significant changes to employer group health plans of all sizes.
Here are changes that the Bancroft-Rosalie School group health plan must comply with:
1. 90 day waiting period maximum.
Waiting periods for coverage cannot be longer than 90 days.
2. Removal of pre-existing condition limitations and/or exclusions.
Coverage must be provided on a guarantee issue basis without any exclusion for pre-existing conditions.
3. Employee cost sharing limits.
Annual cost sharing limits can be no more then the current maximums established for Health savings account eligible high deductible health plans- $6400 for individuals and $12,800 for families in 2014. This cost sharing limit includes all deductibles, coinsurance and copay amounts under the plan.
4. Notice of Marketplace (exchange) availability.
Employers must provide employees with a notice regarding the availability of coverage through the Marketplace (formerly called the Exchange).
5. Minimum value.
In order to avoid paying the Employer Shared Responsibility penalties, all non-grandfathered plans must provide "minimum value", which is defined as providing coverage for at least 60% of the average employee's eligible expenses.
6. Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute Fee
The IRS is assessing employer group plans a $1 per covered person fee (increasing to $2 October 1, 2013) to fund research on the health care treatments for certain conditions. The Omaha World Herald today had an article about how the University of Nebraska hoped to receive some of these funds for their research projects.
7. Transitional Reinsurance Fund Fee
A per-enrollee fee to fund a transitional reinsurance program (help pay for the added costs of PPACA).
The annual fee for 2014 is expected to be $63 oer covered person. This fee applies to all group health plan participants including dependents (the fee for a family of four would be $252). This fee will be included in the premiums charged.
The school Blue Cross Blue Shield premiums for next year will be going up 6%. Three percent is due to the increased costs of medical service and 3% because of the added fees and costs associated with PPACA, according to information provided by the Nebraska Council of School Administrators.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
New teachers in Nebraska will have to pass a content area test
The new test requirements will go into effect after the test is approved and written into the certification rules that govern teacher certification. These updated rules will have to be approved by the State Board.
(From the Nebraska Department of Education April State Board meeting agenda)
Nebraska does not require educator preparation candidates or applicants for a Nebraska certificate to pass a content test.
Nebraska is currently the only state that does not use a content test as an indicator in the educator preparation process.
At the direction of the Commissioner, NDE staff investigated testing options, conducted preliminary work to identify appropriate tests related to Nebraska endorsements, and facilitated discussion related to other implementation details.
In March 2013 a group of stakeholders (including teachers, administrators, educator preparation and other higher education faculty, and NDE content consultants) met to review Praxis II test options available through the Educational Testing Service and to make preliminary recommendations for a passing score. At the May meeting, the Board will be asked to approve moving forward with implementation of a content testing requirement.
(From the Nebraska Department of Education April State Board meeting agenda)
Nebraska does not require educator preparation candidates or applicants for a Nebraska certificate to pass a content test.
Nebraska is currently the only state that does not use a content test as an indicator in the educator preparation process.
At the direction of the Commissioner, NDE staff investigated testing options, conducted preliminary work to identify appropriate tests related to Nebraska endorsements, and facilitated discussion related to other implementation details.
In March 2013 a group of stakeholders (including teachers, administrators, educator preparation and other higher education faculty, and NDE content consultants) met to review Praxis II test options available through the Educational Testing Service and to make preliminary recommendations for a passing score. At the May meeting, the Board will be asked to approve moving forward with implementation of a content testing requirement.
NeSA Assessment Schedule- April
April 3-4
7th and 8th grade reading (7th at 10:00 am; 8th at 12:15)
April 9-10
3rd and 4th grade reading (3rd at 8:20, 4th at 9:50)
April 11-12
3rd and 4th grade reading (5th at 8:20, 6th at 9:50)
April 16-17
7th and 8th grade math
April 17-18
11th grade reading (10:00)
April 23-24
3rd and 4th grade math
April 25
11th grade math
April 25-26
5th and 6th grade math
April 30
5th grade science
May 1
11th grade science (2:00)
8th grade science
7th and 8th grade reading (7th at 10:00 am; 8th at 12:15)
April 9-10
3rd and 4th grade reading (3rd at 8:20, 4th at 9:50)
April 11-12
3rd and 4th grade reading (5th at 8:20, 6th at 9:50)
April 16-17
7th and 8th grade math
April 17-18
11th grade reading (10:00)
April 23-24
3rd and 4th grade math
April 25
11th grade math
April 25-26
5th and 6th grade math
April 30
5th grade science
May 1
11th grade science (2:00)
8th grade science
Common Core Standards
Since 2010, 45 states have adopted the same standards for English and
math. These standards are called the Common Core State Standards
(CCSS).
Nebraska is one of the five states that have not adopted the Common Core, along with Texas, Alaska, Minnesota, Virginia. It is only a matter of time before we join the rest of the nation. The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) is considering what actions to take regarding the common core. There is a bill in the legislature that will give NDE the authority to adopt the common core if they choose.
For the upcoming 2013-14 school year, NDE plans to continue with the current Nebraska State Standards. They have commissioned a study to compare the current nebraska State Standards with the common core. In my opinion the study will find that there is not a significant difference between the Nebraska Standards in Language Arts and Math and the Common Core standards, leading us to join the other 45 states, but time will tell.
Here are some frequently asked questions from http://www.corestandards.org/resources/frequently-asked-questions. Note the last questions that addresses common assessments.
Beginning in 2014-15, states that adopted the common core will give a common assessment. If Nebraska adoptes the common core, our current assessments (called NeSA) will be replaced with the common assessment.
Nebraska is one of the five states that have not adopted the Common Core, along with Texas, Alaska, Minnesota, Virginia. It is only a matter of time before we join the rest of the nation. The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) is considering what actions to take regarding the common core. There is a bill in the legislature that will give NDE the authority to adopt the common core if they choose.
For the upcoming 2013-14 school year, NDE plans to continue with the current Nebraska State Standards. They have commissioned a study to compare the current nebraska State Standards with the common core. In my opinion the study will find that there is not a significant difference between the Nebraska Standards in Language Arts and Math and the Common Core standards, leading us to join the other 45 states, but time will tell.
Here are some frequently asked questions from http://www.corestandards.org/resources/frequently-asked-questions. Note the last questions that addresses common assessments.
Beginning in 2014-15, states that adopted the common core will give a common assessment. If Nebraska adoptes the common core, our current assessments (called NeSA) will be replaced with the common assessment.
What are educational standards?
Educational standards help teachers ensure their students have the skills and knowledge they need to be successful by providing clear goals for student learning.What is the Common Core State Standards Initiative?
The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort that established a single set of clear educational standards for kindergarten through 12th grade in English language arts and mathematics that states voluntarily adopt. The standards are designed to ensure that students graduating from high school are prepared to enter credit bearing entry courses in two or four year college programs or enter the workforce. The standards are clear and concise to ensure that parents, teachers, and students have a clear understanding of the expectations in reading, writing, speaking and listening, language and mathematics in school.Who leads the Common Core State Standards Initiative?
The nation’s governors and education commissioners, through their representative organizations the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) led the development of the Common Core State Standards and continue to lead the initiative. Teachers, parents, school administrators and experts from across the country together with state leaders provided input into the development of the standards.Why is the Common Core State Standards Initiative important?
High standards that are consistent across states provide teachers, parents, and students with a set of clear expectations that are aligned to the expectations in college and careers. The standards promote equity by ensuring all students, no matter where they live, are well prepared with the skills and knowledge necessary to collaborate and compete with their peers in the United States and abroad.. Unlike previous state standards, which were unique to every state in the country, the Common Core State Standards enable collaboration between states on a range of tools and policies, including:- the development of textbooks, digital media, and other teaching materials aligned to the standards;
- and the development and implementation of common comprehensive assessment systems to measure student performance annually that will replace existing state testing systems; and
Who was involved in the Common Core State Standards Initiative?
States across the country collaborated with teachers, researchers, and leading experts to design and develop the Common Core State Standards. Each state independently made the decision to adopt the Common Core State Standards, beginning in 2010. The federal government was NOT involved in the development of the standards. Local teachers, principals, and superintendents lead the implementation of the Common Core.What guidance do the Common Core State Standards provide to teachers?
The Common Core State Standards are a clear set of shared goals and expectations for the knowledge and skills students need in English language arts and mathematics at each grade level to ultimately be prepared to graduate college and career ready. The standards establish what students need to learn, but they do not dictate how teachers should teach. Teachers will continue to devise lesson plans and tailor instruction to the individual needs of the students in their classrooms.How do the Common Core State Standards compare to previous state standards?
The Common Core State Standards were written by building on the best and highest state standards in existence in the U.S., examining the expectations of other high performing countries around the world, and careful study of the research and literature available on what students need to know and be able to do to be successful in college and careers. No state in the country was asked to lower their expectations for their students in adopting the Common Core. The standards are evidence-based, aligned with college and work expectations, include rigorous content and skills, and are informed by other top performing countries. They were developed in consultation with teachers and parents from across the country so they are also realistic and practical for the classroom.Will there be tests based on the Common Core State Standards?
Yes. States that adopted the Common Core State Standards are currently collaborating to develop common assessments that will be aligned to the standards and replace existing end of year state assessments. These assessments will be available in the 2014-2015 school year.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)