Over on the Priority Schools Campaign website (), teachers and education support professionals are invited to from around the country. Jennifer Little in Somerset, NJ writes:
“, a Model School of Excellence for the Arts has struggled to bring those same results to the academics. However, we have made AYP for the past 3 years and have been building a program that integrates arts with academics to engage more students, diversify teaching styles and reach at risk students. Our critically acclaimed yearly docudrama brings social studies, civil studies, theatre, video and dance together in a moving, engaging and demanding piece of theatre for social change which inspires our students to reflect not just on history but on their role in their community both within the school and within the community. One student last year said, “We live in a fishbowl in a big ocean. We have to look outside and see what the rest of the world is doing. Get involved with others outside our lives.”
At , Twitter is used to track and link to news reports and key commentary on school improvement. And live Tweets are often posted from events.
If you aren’t among the more than 500 people and organizations following the campaign on Twitter, () here’s what you missed – just in the first half of June:
(By the way, Twitter is simple – sign up for an account, follow us on a computer and/or phone, and only send messages yourself if/when you feel like it. Ask us to help set you up by emailing priorityschools@nea.org)
1. ”Resist…narratives,” of unions v. reform says Duncan. “dozens of examples of breathtaking union leadership.” EdWeek about 6 hours ago via web
2. UT: Work slated for schools under SIG funding. Transformation model chosen because “it has a lot to do with learning.” about 22 hours ago via web
3. MI: No word from ED yet, but state announces federal approval of $119 million in SIG funding. Local apps due 8/16. about 24 hours ago via web
4. MI: Ypsilanti High School facing major changes as district seeks SIG; choices outlined, readers polled: via @addthis9:32 AM Jun 14th via web
5. MN: School board unanimously chooses Transformation model, in the hunt for new leadership for the high school. 8:37 AM Jun 11th via web
6. NEA and affiliates team to highlight critical role of parents – Creating a Bridge Between Home and School via @AddToAny8:30 AM Jun 11th via AddToAny
7. WV – McREL chosen as vendor to provide “comprehensive educational services to the state’s low-performing schools.” 8:26 AM Jun 11th via web
8. CA: In limbo, waiting on Feds for SIG; “Teachers and district staff worked very hard in this unreasonable timeline.” 7:50 AM Jun 8th via web
9. GA: Unanswered questions, unknown obligations, unwanted firings; Albany board declines fed SIG funding. 8:39 AM Jun 7th via web
10. A reminder of what it’s like for some kids at school. #bullying via @susanraisch8:15 AM Jun 3rd via HootSuite Retweeted by you
11. NC: Priority plan; “experienced, enthusiastic, determined teachers” in smaller classes, w/ training, technology. 8:16 AM Jun 2nd via web
12. KY: Six middle and high schools in Louisville will see as much as 60 percent of faculty replaced by this fall – AP: 8:05 AM Jun 2nd via web
Eleven schools in the city will use for the Transformation model and a new performance pay plan. In most cases, Transformation requires replacement of the principal. But a report says the city is hoping the requirement has some flexibility.
“Though the city hasn’t decided yet whether the schools will keep their principals, the schools will hire some new “master” and “turnaround” teachers who will be paid up to 30 percent more in exchange for taking on extra leadership responsibilities and helping other teachers. The Department of Education considers this a major step toward a pay-for-performance system for teachers. The union and the city agreed to a pilot program in which these two new titles will be filled by teachers who have demonstrated an ability to improve student test scores. Sternberg says they’ll make a huge difference.”
From the Statesman-Journal in Oregon, some insight into what a Transformation plan looks like on the ground:
“Salem-Keizer’s applications propose a variety of ways for increasing student learning: Literacy centers with intensive tutoring, complementing the districtwide push to improve writing skills, and Saturday school for students who need additional time. Twilight school for students whose family situation makes the traditional school day unworkable. Increased teacher-student contact for students taking classes online. Incentives and additional training for teachers. Better use of assessment data to identify struggling students early on rather than letting them fall through the cracks. And more.
Good teachers always have used a variety of teaching techniques, recognizing that students learn in a variety of ways. That varied approach is critical today as schools strive to reach a broad swath of students who in the mid-20th century would have dropped out.”
Read more:
To see examples of approved School Improvement Grant applications at the federal level, check the ED website here: