K-12 Education
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from public policy organizations influencing the debate on education policy.
Featured Stories
Dallas ISD Teacher Is Making Learning Hip
DALLAS, Texas, Jan. 27 -- The Dallas Independent School District issued the following news release:
When Monique Jackson was preparing to teach her third-grade math students at Stevens Park Elementary School about division, she wanted them not only to learn division, but also to understand what division was. Knowing her students were into music, Jackson wasted no time writing a song about division to engage her students.
"On the first day that I taught them division, I told them that I wrote a song for them," Jackson said. "I literally wrote it from scratch. I used the instrumental to the song
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DALLAS, Texas, Jan. 27 -- The Dallas Independent School District issued the following news release:
When Monique Jackson was preparing to teach her third-grade math students at Stevens Park Elementary School about division, she wanted them not only to learn division, but also to understand what division was. Knowing her students were into music, Jackson wasted no time writing a song about division to engage her students.
"On the first day that I taught them division, I told them that I wrote a song for them," Jackson said. "I literally wrote it from scratch. I used the instrumental to the song'I'm Different' by 2 Chainz and they were super pumped. The reason I did it was because I wanted to engage them with something that was cool, fun and would hype them up for a new unit of learning, which was division."
The results went above and beyond Jackson's expectations.
"Because of the song, if you go up to any of my students and you ask them what division is, they will answer the problem with the total given. They rap the lyrics," she said.
Omar Feliciano, principal at Stevens Park Elementary, acknowledges the great work that Jackson is doing.
"Who doesn't want to learn math in an exciting way, with a teacher who is creative, caring and innovating?! Our third graders have a great time in Mrs. Jackson's math class every day because she consistently thinks about how they feel, what they like and what they need to know in order to gain their trust, engagement and ownership of their learning," he said.
The impact of Jackson's work has extended beyond her classroom as her rap song about division has gained popularity with students of different great levels.
"Fifth graders to Pre-K students will see me in the hallway and say 'hey Mrs. Jackson, I heard you've been rapping.' Parents have come up to me and have told me they play it on the way to school," Jackson said.
Jackson doesn't plan to stop with the rap song about division. She has become a Dallas ISD celebrity and is often asked when her next single will drop. She already has another math rap song about fractions.
As far as what Jackson hopes for her students, she often uses words like college bound to instill those expectations at an early age. "I'm very passionate about growing future leaders and I look beyond the classroom and look at my students as a whole. I want them to grow to be genuine, confident, kind human beings in life. I try to not only teach them math, but teach them things like respect for oneself and others," said Jackson.
"Mrs. Jackson's original rap song is just a small part of how she leads her classroom, it is an absolute joy and blessing to have teachers like her at Stevens Park Elementary. Her third graders are going places, and so is she," said Feliciano.
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Original text here: https://us11.campaign-archive.com/?u=1882a54dd5b4a5f6ef4cf9f4d&id=07c4e30b46
Pulse Of CCSD - Michelle Brewer Balancing More Than Just Budgets
CHARLESTON, South Carolina, Jan. 26 -- Charleston County School District issued the following news:
Much goes on behind the scenes of Charleston County School District (CCSD), the state's second-largest school district. CCSD's sheer size requires that it be run not just as an institute of academic learning but as a large corporation.
Fortunately the district's, many moving parts run like a well-oiled machine. For a district the size of CCSD to be successful, they have to. An example of that is the advanced budget preparation that is underway for 2024.
Bookkeepers and department heads are gathering
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CHARLESTON, South Carolina, Jan. 26 -- Charleston County School District issued the following news:
Much goes on behind the scenes of Charleston County School District (CCSD), the state's second-largest school district. CCSD's sheer size requires that it be run not just as an institute of academic learning but as a large corporation.
Fortunately the district's, many moving parts run like a well-oiled machine. For a district the size of CCSD to be successful, they have to. An example of that is the advanced budget preparation that is underway for 2024.
Bookkeepers and department heads are gatheringand preparing the necessary documentation and leaning on Michelle Brewer, Budget Supervisor in the Office of Budgeting and Grants Accounting, for help.
"I help correct mistakes that come from mostly coding and transferring," said Brewer. "I use my business management experience to offer assistance and find the easiest fix."
Lauren Gandy, project specialist in the Office of Communications, said she could not have made it through the budgeting season or staff changes without her assistance.
"She has an outstanding attitude and is always ready and able to help," said Gandy. "Her knowledge is endless. Her spirit is so kind and refreshing."
Brewer's upbringing and various career stops, prepared her for the intricacies of working in the district's budgeting office.
Brewer grew up in Europe while her father served in the Air Force. She lived all over the world and was introduced to various cultures and experiences, particularly by her French mother.
"I learned how to adapt because we were moving and starting over every four years," said Brewer.
By the age of 13, Brewer's family was back in the United States where they settled in Tennessee. In high school, she excelled in and completed vocational classes that included basic accounting and finance.
Brewer had big plans to go to college after graduating high school but decided to put that off for a while and instead traveled the world.
Life puts you where you're supposed to be After some years, she returned to Tennessee and started working for a local mental health center. She spent 12 years as the director of a drop-in center for the mentally ill. There she honed her skills in administration and budget oversight.
In the meantime, her sister Solange Brewer (now CCSD's Director of Federal Programs) had moved to Charleston and obtained a job with the district at the former Brentwood Middle School. The bond between sisters is impenetrable. In a short time, Michelle was on her way to Charleston to join Solange at Brentwood and later at Ladson Elementary School as a secretary/bookkeeper.
"She has such a giving nature and continually goes out of her way to help others," said Solange. "I am so proud of who she has become and all that she has accomplished."
Brewer said she enjoyed being in the schools.
"At one point, I thought I wanted to be a teacher, but the business manager in me was a stronger calling," added Brewer.
Brewer received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Western Governors University. When a business manager position became available in CCSD's Finance Division, she applied and made a move to the district side of education.
"It was there that I saw first-hand how crucial each role is at CCSD," said Brewer. Brewer has worked in the budgeting department for the last two years and loves it.
"Michelle is an excellent example of someone who has risen through the ranks of CCSD as a result of her hard work and dedication in every position she has held," said Ann McIntosh-Hill, Director of Budget and Special Revenue. "Using her wealth of knowledge, she has the gift of showing others how to navigate complicated processes in a very simple, easy-to-understand way with patience and a smile on her face."
"There are so many aspects to it because principals and bookkeepers have questions about completing budget requests and paperwork," said Brewer. "My job is to help them to get back to doing what they do best. Budgeting can be confusing. There are questions about which account to use when creating a Purchase Order, or where to allocate a P-Card purchase. Their time is valuable. I try to support them as much as possible so they are not chasing down answers." As time has gone by, procedures and support systems have improved. Staff is forward-thinking and digital capabilities have opened doors to endless opportunities.
Brewer and her team created a secretary/bookkeeper website that is a one-stop shop for anything they might need.
"We tried to make it as simple as possible to understand," said Brewer. "At the school level, they don't have time to search for some answers because they have so much going on. Making their job easier is the most important aspect of my job." Monthly training is also offered that explains where funding lives, which accounts to use, and correct coding. Brewer and her three other colleagues provide continuous training.
"It is crucial because there is no room for error," said Brewer.
Brewer and her three colleagues each manage about 20 schools and 20 departments.
"CCSD has come so far since I started," said Brewer. "From training to communication, to support, it has improved so much."
Brewer and her team impact students indirectly by supporting schools and departments. Her role in CCSD is no less critical.
"The schools focus on children and learning, and they must have the funding to support teachers and programs," said Brewer. "We're not in the building teaching but we are guiding administrators and teachers on how to spend wisely so they can make sure they have what they need to be successful."
Brewer explained that funding affects not only new programming but teacher counts as well. The number of teachers employed in a building depends on the number of students in attendance, and Brewer described it as a balancing act. "I've been at the school level, so I feel I have a better understanding of their needs, and I can help calculate and assist them in every way," said Brewer. Candice White, Senior Budgeting Officer, agrees.
"Michelle is very engaging and personable. "These qualities have helped her establish positive relationships with CCSD schools and offices."
A lot of people are supporting the mission in a lot of different ways, Brewer explained.
"Behind the scenes, jobs like this are just as important to the students as others are," said Brewer. "The money has to balance out, and we are here to ensure that."
Just as Brewer supports her schools and departments, she is supported by her team and supervisors.
"From the top down, I feel supported," said Brewer. "I have never been in a situation where I didn't feel like I had 100 percent support. I try to pass that on in my work."
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Original text here: https://www.ccsdschools.com/cms/lib/SC50000504/Centricity/Domain/4727/Pulse%20of%20CCSD%20%20Michelle%20Brewer%20balancing%20more%20than%20just%20budgets.pdf
The National Alliance For Public Charter Schools Applauds Wyoming's Charter School Law Update
WASHINGTON, Jan. 25 (TNSgov) -- The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools issued the following news release:
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SF 0174 proposes the establishment of a new statewide authorizer to approve new charter schools and hold those schools accountable for their academic performance.
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The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools applauds the introduction of SF 0174, a bill that proposes to establish a new statewide authorizer to approve new charter schools and hold those schools accountable for their academic performance. If this bill passes, those who want to start a charter school
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 25 (TNSgov) -- The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools issued the following news release:
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SF 0174 proposes the establishment of a new statewide authorizer to approve new charter schools and hold those schools accountable for their academic performance.
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The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools applauds the introduction of SF 0174, a bill that proposes to establish a new statewide authorizer to approve new charter schools and hold those schools accountable for their academic performance. If this bill passes, those who want to start a charter schoolcould apply to either the local school board or the new statewide authorizer.
In line with existing law, public charter schools will continue to adhere to the state's accountability system and take the same state tests as district public schools. The bill also grants charter schools more flexibility to meet children's needs in return for greater accountability for meeting their promises to families and taxpayers.
"We're excited to see Wyoming's legislature consider this bill to improve upon the changes made to the state's authorizing process in 2021," says Nina Rees, CEO and President of The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. "Ensuring that high-quality public-schools can open and are held accountable for delivering strong student results is more important than ever. Thank you to Senate President Ogden Driskill, Representative Jared Olsen, and other legislative supporters for championing this bill and working for students and families."
If passed, this bill would be the most significant overhaul to Wyoming's charter school law in more than 20 years, making essential changes in line with the country's best charter school policies and practices.
Charter schools are tuition-free public schools open to all students. The charter school model empowers teachers to provide innovative, high-quality instruction and gives them the autonomy to design a classroom that fits their students' needs. Charter schools are led by dynamic principals who have the flexibility to create a school culture that fosters student performance and parent satisfaction. Charter schools are held accountable to the performance standards they agree to in their charter contract and by their communities. A 2020 study from the Program on Education Policy and Governance at Harvard University found that students attending charter schools made greater academic gains from 2005 to 2017 than students in district-operated schools.
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Original text here: https://www.publiccharters.org/latest-news/2023/01/24/national-alliance-public-charter-schools-applauds-wyomings-charter-school
[Category: Education]
Dallas ISD: Fifth-Grader Zihair Douglas Wins The 2023 MLK Jr. Oratory Final
DALLAS, Texas, Jan. 25 -- The Dallas Independent School District issued the following news release on Jan. 24, 2023:
"We all have the power, in our own spheres of influence, to make a difference, to fulfill the hopes, prayers and dreams of Dr. King." With these words, Zihair Douglas, a fifth-grade student at Thomas L. Marsalis STEAM Academy, ended the speech that would ultimately have him win the Dallas MLK Oratory final earlier this month. For this year's competition, eight Dallas ISD students delivered original speeches addressing the topic: "What would Dr. King say to us today about hope for
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DALLAS, Texas, Jan. 25 -- The Dallas Independent School District issued the following news release on Jan. 24, 2023:
"We all have the power, in our own spheres of influence, to make a difference, to fulfill the hopes, prayers and dreams of Dr. King." With these words, Zihair Douglas, a fifth-grade student at Thomas L. Marsalis STEAM Academy, ended the speech that would ultimately have him win the Dallas MLK Oratory final earlier this month. For this year's competition, eight Dallas ISD students delivered original speeches addressing the topic: "What would Dr. King say to us today about hope fortomorrow?"
In his speech, Zihair included a sharp critique of current policy changes limiting voting access, immigration, abortion and education, lamenting that some elected officials use their power "to injure, deprive, and demean the very persons and communities they were elected to serve and support."
He combined this with a call to action for people to "make intelligent decisions that will positively improve the lives of people from all cultures and backgrounds." He concluded that Dr. King would be proud of a new generation of Americans who "stand up, advocate and support what we think is right and fair."
This year was Zihair's second participation in the MLK oratory competition final, as he was also a finalist in last year's competition. Sasha Greene, a TAG teacher at Marsalis STEAM Academy and Zihair's sponsor for the competition, highlighted his dedication to getting his speech right.
"Over the past three months, we practiced maybe two or three times a day. He's put a lot of work into memorizing his speech and saying it very well," said Ms. Greene.
Alongside Zihair, Mohamad Mohamad, a fifth-grader at Elisha M. Pease Elementary, placed second, and Bria Hider, a fifth-grader at J.P. Starks Math, Science and Technology Vanguard, placed third.
For 31 years, the MLK oratory competition has inspired elementary students in Dallas and other cities to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. By partaking in this event, students improve their writing and public speaking skills and, highlight their communities' cultural diversity and talent.
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Original text here: https://us11.campaign-archive.com/?u=1882a54dd5b4a5f6ef4cf9f4d&id=08429112fc
