K-12 Education
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from public policy organizations influencing the debate on education policy.
Featured Stories
Arlington Public Schools: School Board Appoints Carlin Springs Elementary School Principal
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Sept. 25 -- The Arlington Public Schools issued the following news release:
The Arlington School Board appointed Dr. Melaney Mackin as the new Principal of Carlin Springs Elementary School at its Sept. 24 meeting. Dr. Mackin currently serves as the principal at Silverbrook Elementary School in Fairfax County.
"Dr. Mackin not only brings a wealth of experience in working with a diverse community of English Language Learners, but she also has enthusiasm for the principal position and a love of learning and working with students, teachers and parents," said Superintendent Dr.
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Sept. 25 -- The Arlington Public Schools issued the following news release:
The Arlington School Board appointed Dr. Melaney Mackin as the new Principal of Carlin Springs Elementary School at its Sept. 24 meeting. Dr. Mackin currently serves as the principal at Silverbrook Elementary School in Fairfax County.
"Dr. Mackin not only brings a wealth of experience in working with a diverse community of English Language Learners, but she also has enthusiasm for the principal position and a love of learning and working with students, teachers and parents," said Superintendent Dr.Francisco Duran. "Dr. Mackin is a resident of Arlington and looks forward to serving in her community."
Dr. Mackin brings over 35 years of experience in education to Arlington Public Schools. She began her teaching career with Houston City Public Schools and has taught in Mississippi, both diverse school settings in the inner city, before relocating to Northern Virginia. Dr. Mackin also served as Principal of Camelot Elementary School in Fairfax. Throughout her years as a teacher, Dr. Mackin has taught every elementary grade as well as English as a Second Language classes. As a principal, she has learned much about leadership and gained extensive experience working with staff, students, and parents.
She received a Bachelor of Arts from S.U.N.Y Cortland in Elementary Education and Secondary Social Studies; a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia, and a Doctor of Education from the University of Charlotte.
As a principal in Fairfax County, Dr. Mackin served a term as the president of the Fairfax Association of Elementary School Principals (FAESP), and received several awards, including: Outstanding Principal of the Year 2017 of the South County Pyramid; Top Rated Principal for 2015 by the Fairfax Federation of Teachers (FCFT); and was recently nominated for Outstanding Elementary Administrator 2020 by the Special Education PTA (SEPTA) of FCPS.
As the newly appointed principal at Carlin Springs Elementary School, Dr. Mackin will continue to work with the PTA and school staff to establish opportunities in the community and seek additional means of reaching out to ensure an inclusive environment where all feel welcome.
Dr. Mackin's appointment begins on November 1.
Prince George's County Public Schools: Education Partnership Aims to Strengthen Teacher Workforce, Address Classroom Equity
UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland, Sept. 23 -- Prince George's County Public Schools issued the following news release:
A new collaboration between the University of Maryland and the state's two largest school districts will create innovative training opportunities for education students, bolster professional development and promote equity across Maryland public schools.
The Maryland Professional Development Schools 2025 project is a cooperative effort by the College of Education, Montgomery County Public Schools and Prince George's County Public Schools, supported by a $2.3 million grant from the state
... Show Full Article
UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland, Sept. 23 -- Prince George's County Public Schools issued the following news release:
A new collaboration between the University of Maryland and the state's two largest school districts will create innovative training opportunities for education students, bolster professional development and promote equity across Maryland public schools.
The Maryland Professional Development Schools 2025 project is a cooperative effort by the College of Education, Montgomery County Public Schools and Prince George's County Public Schools, supported by a $2.3 million grant from the stateDepartment of Education.
Its goal is to come up with effective classroom strategies and mentoring techniques for interns and young teachers, as well as new career ladders and pay incentives that help retain quality educators. The two school districts together hired 6,800 new teachers from 2016 to 2018.
College faculty, local administrators and experienced teachers will address challenges such as improving assessments and the use of technology and supporting English language learners.
"The collaborative provides an opportunity to work with local educators and school leaders to design and implement new approaches in a few demonstration sites, iron out all the wrinkles, and ultimately scale solutions that work across all schools and districts in the state," said Jennifer King Rice, dean of the College of Education.
A Mentor Teacher Academy kicks off this week, with 20 new teachers invited from the four participating schools: Olney Elementary and Farquhar Middle in Montgomery County and Buck Lodge Middle and High Point High in Prince George's County.
"We know strong professional practice is critical to the development of our future teacher workforce," said Jack Smith, Montgomery County schools superintendent. "Our affiliation with UMD aims at developing and nurturing educators who are able to work in diverse environments and navigate the increasing complexities that have influenced the landscape of our classrooms."
Among other needs, the program will tackle those challenges spotlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including robust remote-teaching strategies and resources for teaching anti-racism in two of the nation's most diverse school systems.
"This partnership will set standards for mentor teacher professional development and learning outcomes that collectively increase our focus on student success," said Monica Goldson, CEO of Prince George's County Public Schools.
Annual CPS Academic Report Card Highlights Record-Breaking Student Accomplishments During the 2019-20 School Year
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 23 -- Chicago Public Schools issued the following news release:
Marking another year of strong academic progress despite unprecedented circumstances, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) today released the district's annual Academic Report Card--a comprehensive overview of the record-setting achievements of students all across the city during the 2019-20 school year. The annual Academic Report Card outlines key statistics and achievements, including a record-high graduation rate, a record-high percentage of students earning early college and career credentials, data from the first
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 23 -- Chicago Public Schools issued the following news release:
Marking another year of strong academic progress despite unprecedented circumstances, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) today released the district's annual Academic Report Card--a comprehensive overview of the record-setting achievements of students all across the city during the 2019-20 school year. The annual Academic Report Card outlines key statistics and achievements, including a record-high graduation rate, a record-high percentage of students earning early college and career credentials, data from the firstyear of Learn.Plan.Succeed., and more. It also outlines key district-wide efforts that have supported students and families across the city as they navigate remote learning.
"Another year of strong academic progress can be attributed to the dedication of our educators, counselors, support staff and school leaders as they've provided a high-quality learning experience for our students," said CPS CEO Dr. Janice K. Jackson. "Our students and their families have worked so hard to achieve new heights during this unprecedented pandemic and I continue to be inspired by Chicago's brilliant youth. As we move into a new school year, we remain committed to achieving the mission outlined in the district's Five-Year Vision, with a renewed focus on equity as a moral imperative to ensure our most vulnerable students continue to grow and achieve."
"Students in every corner of the city are contributing to the district's academic progress, achieving their goals in record numbers and making all of Chicago beam with pride," said CPS Chief Education Officer LaTanya D. McDade. "To continue our positive trajectory, we remain focused on our goals and strategies that support students, such as expanding academic programs, ensuring students have access to high-quality curriculum and instructional resources and social-emotional support."
Report Card Highlights:
* Record-High Graduation Rate: CPS students achieved a record-high five-year graduation rate of 82.5 percent, an accomplishment spearheaded by strong gains from Latinx and African American students. Over the past decade, the district's graduation rate has increased by nearly 27 percentage points.
* Highest Percentage of CPS Graduates Earning College and Career Credentials: This year, a record-high 49.3 percent of graduates left CPS having earned at least one early college and career credential (ECCC) through courses such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, dual enrollment, dual credit, and more. The district continues to increase access to college-level coursework in high schools, which helps prepare students for post-secondary opportunities and helps make college more accessible and affordable.
* Supporting Post-secondary Success: The Class of 2020 was the first class to graduate under Learn.Plan.Succeed., which ensures seniors have meaningful planning conversations with dedicated staff, and submit concrete post-secondary plans. More than 97 percent of seniors at district-operated schools submitted a plan, and nearly 83 percent of those plans included a college acceptance.
* More than $1 Billion in Scholarship Offers: Last year's graduating class earned over $1.16 billion in scholarship offers, making 2020 the fifth straight year that students have earned over $1 billion. Expanding access to college-level programming and support from dedicated school counselors and college and career coaches have helped ensure students are aware of scholarship opportunities and receive the support they need to complete applications. More than 10,000 seniors accessed the CPS Academic Works Scholarship tool, which is a resource that pairs students with over 200 strategic scholarships that are promoted throughout the school year.
* Strong Progress from English Learners: Groundbreaking new research from the UChicago Consortium of School Research showed that nearly 80 percent of CPS English Learners developed English proficiency by eighth grade and play a key role in contributing to the district's academic progress. The research also found that the majority of former ELs matched or exceeded the progress of their peers on key academic indicators, such as GPA, attendance, and FreshmanOnTrack.
* Meeting Critical Needs During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Since the start of the pandemic, the district has provided more than 23 million meals to students at hundreds of sites across the city. Additionally, the district is committed to ensuring every student who needs a device receives one. Last school year, the district distributed more than 128,000 devices, and, as of September 21, the district distributed more than 48,000 devices for the fall and connected more than 35,000 students to high-speed internet through the groundbreaking Chicago Connected program, which provides eligible families with up to four years of free, high-speed internet.
Chicago Public Schools serves 355,000 students in 638 schools. It is the nation's third-largest school district.
CCSA Board of Directors Elects Dr. Cristina De Jesus as Board Chair
LOS ANGELES, California, Sept. 22 -- California Charter Schools Association issued the following news release:
The California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) announced today that the organization's Board of Directors elected Dr. Cristina de Jesus as their new Board Chair. She succeeds Dr. Margaret Fortune, President/CEO of Fortune School, a charter network with nine schools and 2,300 students grades K-12 located in Sacramento and San Bernardino, California. Dr. Fortune served as Board Chair since September 2017 and a member on the Board of Directors since 2012.
"I am honored and humbled for
... Show Full Article
LOS ANGELES, California, Sept. 22 -- California Charter Schools Association issued the following news release:
The California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) announced today that the organization's Board of Directors elected Dr. Cristina de Jesus as their new Board Chair. She succeeds Dr. Margaret Fortune, President/CEO of Fortune School, a charter network with nine schools and 2,300 students grades K-12 located in Sacramento and San Bernardino, California. Dr. Fortune served as Board Chair since September 2017 and a member on the Board of Directors since 2012.
"I am honored and humbled forthe vote of confidence by my fellow board members and for the opportunity to lead the board and guide our strategy to strengthen high-quality charter public schools across California," said Dr. de Jesus. "Our education system is at a crossroads, responding to unprecedented challenges created by a public health crisis, economic uncertainty, and a greater recognition that our schools must lead in fostering greater equity among students. In this critical moment during a national pandemic, charters are demonstrating extreme agility, flexibility and creativity in mitigating learning loss and supporting the families, students and communities we serve."
Dr. De Jesus has worked in education for 26 years and currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Green Dot Public Schools California, a non-profit network of charter public schools. She initially joined Green Dot in 2002 as the founding principal of Animo Inglewood Charter High School. Green Dot's schools include nineteen middle and high schools that serve over 11,000 students across Los Angeles. Three of these schools are California Distinguished Schools, and nine are recognized among the top 10 percent of schools across the country. Prior to joining Green Dot, Dr. de Jesus was an English and History teacher in the Santa Monica-Malibu School District and earned National Board Certification in Early Adolescent/English Language Arts.
Outgoing CCSA Board Chair, Dr. Margaret Fortune, resigned from her position with CCSA to focus on her new position of Co-Chair of the Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools, a national organization founded to protect the right of "self-determination" for Black and Brown charter school leaders, parents and students. She was recently inducted into the National Charter School Hall of Fame for pioneering the development and growth of charter schools, being a champion for charter school advocacy in California, as well as her work re-opening six charter schools in Paradise, California that had been devastated by the Camp Fire in 2018.
"During my time at CCSA I learned that now more than ever, we have to fight for high-quality education options for all children," said Dr. Fortune. "I am excited to turn my focus to this work at a national level. I believe Cristina will do a great job at the helm of the CCSA Board and I look forward to continuing to work with her shoulder to shoulder."
Mesa Public Schools Receives EVERFI Champion Seal Designation
MESA, Arizona, Sept. 18 (TNSAwa) -- The Mesa Public Schools issued the following news:
The Mesa Public Schools has earned the EVERFI Champion Seal, awarded annually to North American school districts that display an exemplary commitment to whole-child education. Less than five percent of school districts in the nation earn the designation.
"EVERFI has helped Mesa ensure equitable opportunities for our students as we seek to meet the needs of the whole child," says Dr. Michael Garcia, director of opportunity & achievement. "Whether it is workplace training, financial education, diversity and inclusion
... Show Full Article
MESA, Arizona, Sept. 18 (TNSAwa) -- The Mesa Public Schools issued the following news:
The Mesa Public Schools has earned the EVERFI Champion Seal, awarded annually to North American school districts that display an exemplary commitment to whole-child education. Less than five percent of school districts in the nation earn the designation.
"EVERFI has helped Mesa ensure equitable opportunities for our students as we seek to meet the needs of the whole child," says Dr. Michael Garcia, director of opportunity & achievement. "Whether it is workplace training, financial education, diversity and inclusionlessons, or mental health and wellness workshops, EVERFI has been committed to providing quality and free resources for our students."
This recognition acknowledges the district's dedication to transformational change in equity and the well-being of all students. EVERFI is a digital education organization focused on helping educators address the most challenging issues affecting society, including financial literacy, social-emotional learning, health and wellness, inclusion, and college and career readiness.
"Our educators are dedicated to teaching the whole child because we know that it not only impacts how healthy and productive students are during their time with Mesa, but also their well-being and success beyond their K-12 years," Garcia says.
MPS Partners With Verizon to Support Students and Staff, Expand Technology, and Enhance Learning
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin, Sept. 18 -- The Milwaukee Public Schools have issued the following news release:
To support effective technology in the classroom, Milwaukee Public Schools joins the Verizon Innovative Learning program, in partnership with Digital Promise. This effort will provide a Chromebook for every student, equipped with a hotspot with free internet access. The program includes a technology-driven curriculum that is being rolled out for approximately 2,300 6th- through 8th-grade students at five MPS schools: Andrew S. Douglas, Audubon Technology and Communication Middle School, Lincoln
... Show Full Article
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin, Sept. 18 -- The Milwaukee Public Schools have issued the following news release:
To support effective technology in the classroom, Milwaukee Public Schools joins the Verizon Innovative Learning program, in partnership with Digital Promise. This effort will provide a Chromebook for every student, equipped with a hotspot with free internet access. The program includes a technology-driven curriculum that is being rolled out for approximately 2,300 6th- through 8th-grade students at five MPS schools: Andrew S. Douglas, Audubon Technology and Communication Middle School, LincolnCenter of the Arts, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Rufus King International Middle. Verizon will also provide a technology coach at each school to offer additional support to students and staff.
"We are excited to be partnering with Verizon Innovative Learning and Digital Promise to launch a robust technology initiative at five of our schools," said Superintendent Dr. Keith P. Posley. "This partnership will help accelerate the implementation of technology-based instruction to facilitate innovative learning opportunities for our students."
The partnership between MPS and Verizon to implement this new technology began months before concerns arose about learning during a pandemic. The program's goal is to build educator capacity through full-time, school-based coaching and blended in-person and virtual professional development to ensure all teachers are supported and successful in helping students learn with technology.
Digital learning has since become a necessity for all students and staff. Through this partnership, students will have access to more hands-on learning experiences in reading, writing, and mathematics. With increased digital literacy, the district hopes to inspire students to explore and develop an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers.
Verizon Innovative Learning is a program designed to bridge the digital divide and give more students access to technology and connectivity. Verizon is providing free Internet access, free devices, and technology-infused lessons in 264 schools so far, with a goal of reaching 10 million youth by 2030.
Digital Promise is a nonprofit organization working to connect education leaders, researchers, and technology developers to improve access to technology for all students and help build a more engaged, informed, and just society.
Thank you, Verizon and Digital Promise! Our students, families, and staff are grateful for your support!
JPS Receives the 2020 Web Award for School Standard of Excellence
JACKSON, Mississippi, Sept. 18 (TNSAwa) -- Jackson Public Schools issued the following news:
Jackson Public Schools was recently recognized for the outstanding design and development of its website, http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us. The District is a 2020 recipient of the Web Marketing Association's 2020 School Standard of Excellence WebAward.
"The JPS Public Engagement Team is proud to partner with Blackboard in producing an award-winning website," said Sherwin Johnson, Executive Director of the JPS Office of Public Engagement department. "We take pride in our website being an open door into our school
... Show Full Article
JACKSON, Mississippi, Sept. 18 (TNSAwa) -- Jackson Public Schools issued the following news:
Jackson Public Schools was recently recognized for the outstanding design and development of its website, http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us. The District is a 2020 recipient of the Web Marketing Association's 2020 School Standard of Excellence WebAward.
"The JPS Public Engagement Team is proud to partner with Blackboard in producing an award-winning website," said Sherwin Johnson, Executive Director of the JPS Office of Public Engagement department. "We take pride in our website being an open door into our schooldistrict and a very important part of our community engagement work."
"This is extremely well-deserved and reflects many, many hours of hard work," said Laura Robertson, a Client Success Manager with Blackboard. "We are so appreciative of your partnership and thankful to be able to see first-hand all the great work you are doing and continue to do."
Independent expert judges from around the world review sites in 96 industries. The best are recognized with a WebAward which helps interactive professionals promote their schools and district to the digital world.
Since 1997, the Web Marketing Association's annual WebAward Competition has been setting the standard of excellence for Website development.
