K-12 Education
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from public policy organizations influencing the debate on education policy.
Featured Stories
MPS Career Fair on June 23, 2018
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin, June 18 -- The Milwaukee Public Schools have issued the following news release:
New teachers, experienced teachers, and paraprofessionals should plan to attend the MPS Career Fair on Saturday, June 23, 2018 from 9 a.m. to noon at South Division High School to learn about exciting options that include part-time teaching. School leaders and benefits specialists will be on hand to answer questions and explain opportunities for professional development.
Part-time teaching is a new option that offers a great work-life balance for retirees or teachers balancing family and career.
... Show Full Article
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin, June 18 -- The Milwaukee Public Schools have issued the following news release:
New teachers, experienced teachers, and paraprofessionals should plan to attend the MPS Career Fair on Saturday, June 23, 2018 from 9 a.m. to noon at South Division High School to learn about exciting options that include part-time teaching. School leaders and benefits specialists will be on hand to answer questions and explain opportunities for professional development.
Part-time teaching is a new option that offers a great work-life balance for retirees or teachers balancing family and career.A limited number of positions are available. MPS also offers a track to a teaching license for individuals who meet specific criteria, including those with a bachelor's degree looking to make a career change. Representatives at the Career Fair can provide details.
Principals and school leaders will be on site to offer on-the-spot interviews. Candidates should bring several copies of their resume. Selected candidates will be moved directly onto a pre-employment track that will require additional documents, background check, and other steps.
Check out these exciting reasons to work for MPS!
* Excellent benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, professional development, pension, and tuition reimbursement
* Nearly 160 schools across the city that include options for bilingual education, language immersion, Montessori, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, special education, and more
* Technical education programs including agriculture, automotive, business, construction, culinary arts, engineering, finance, health science, hospitality, information technology, manufacturing, marketing, and welding
* Rewarding work among a diverse student body in an urban setting
* Strong support and mentoring system for new teachers
* Pathways for career advancement including principal/administrative track
* MPS is home to seven of the top high schools in Wisconsin according to U.S. News & World Report and The Washington Post.
No registration is needed. If you cannot attend or have questions, call (414) 475-8224. For more information, visit our Career Fair web page.
South Division High School is located at 1515 W. Lapham Blvd. in Milwaukee and offers plenty of free parking.
Free Summer Meals Available at Area Libraries and Schools for Youth 18 Years Old and Under
TOWSON, Maryland, June 18 -- Baltimore County Public Schools issued the following news release:
School ended last Friday, but the free breakfasts and lunches that some families depend on during the school year will continue.
Baltimore County Public Schools is participating in the Summer Food Service Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which provides free meals to all children (ages 18 and under) free of charge and without applications or registration.
Lunch will be provided Monday through Friday at area branches of the Baltimore County Public Library from Wednesday, June
... Show Full Article
TOWSON, Maryland, June 18 -- Baltimore County Public Schools issued the following news release:
School ended last Friday, but the free breakfasts and lunches that some families depend on during the school year will continue.
Baltimore County Public Schools is participating in the Summer Food Service Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which provides free meals to all children (ages 18 and under) free of charge and without applications or registration.
Lunch will be provided Monday through Friday at area branches of the Baltimore County Public Library from Wednesday, June20 - Friday, August 24, and both breakfast and lunch will be served at select schools from Monday, July 9 - Friday, August 3.
Breakfast will consist of a cereal bar, a breakfast bar, or a muffin served with fruit or juice, and milk. For lunch, the program offers a deli sandwich, fruit or vegetable, juice or frozen treat, and milk.
Baltimore County Public Schools and Baltimore County Public Library are equal opportunity providers. Acceptance and participation requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Libraries serving lunch from Wednesday, June 20 - Friday, August 24, 2018
* Arbutus branch, 855 Sulphur Spring Rd., 21227, at 12 p.m.
* Essex branch, 1110 Eastern Blvd., 21221, at 1 p.m.
* Lansdowne branch, 500 Third Ave., 21227, at 12:30 p.m.
* Loch Raven branch, 1046 Taylor Ave., 21286, at 1 p.m.
* North Point branch, 1716 Merritt Blvd., 21222, at 12 p.m.
* Randallstown branch, 8604 Liberty Rd., 21133, at 12 p.m.
* Reisterstown branch, 21 Cockeys Mill Rd., 21136, at 12 p.m.
* Rosedale branch, 6105 Kenwood Ave., 21237, at 12:30 p.m.
* White Marsh branch, 8133 Sandpiper Cir., 21236, at 12 p.m.
* Woodlawn branch, 1811 Woodlawn Dr., 21207, at 12:30 p.m.
Schools serving breakfast and lunch from Monday, July 9 - Friday, August 3, 2018
* Bear Creek Elementary, 1601 Melbourne Rd. - Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. & Lunch, 12 p.m.
* Chadwick Elementary, 1918 Winder Rd. - Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. & Lunch, 12 p.m.
* Chase Elementary, 1170 Eastern Ave. - Breakfast, 9:15 a.m. & Lunch, 12:45 p.m.
* Church Lane Elementary, 3820 Fernside Rd. - Breakfast, 9:15 a.m. & Lunch, 12:45 p.m.
* Deep Creek Elementary, 1101 East Homberg Ave. - Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. & Lunch, 12 p.m.
* Deer Park Elementary, 9809 Lyons Mill Rd. - Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. & Lunch, 12 p.m.
* Edmondson Heights Elementary, 1600 Langford Rd. - Breakfast, 9:15 a.m. & Lunch, 12:45 p.m.
* Elmwood Elementary, 531 Dale Ave. - Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. & Lunch, 12 p.m.
* Featherbed Lane Elementary, 6700 Richardson Rd. - Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. & Lunch, 12 p.m.
* Glenmar Elementary, 9700 Community Dr. - Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. & Lunch, 12 p.m.
* Glyndon Elementary, 445 Glyndon Dr. - Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. & Lunch, 12 p.m.
* Grange Elementary, 2000 Church Rd. - Breakfast, 9:15 a.m. & Lunch, 12:45 p.m.
* Halethorpe Elementary, 4300 Maple Ave. - Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. & Lunch, 12 p.m.
* Hawthorne Elementary, 125 Kingston Rd. - Breakfast, 9:15 a.m. & Lunch, 12:45 p.m.
* Hebbville Elementary, 3335 Washington Ave. - Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. & Lunch, 12 p.m.
* Holabird Middle, 1701 Delvale Ave. - Breakfast, 7:45 a.m. & Lunch, 11:15 a.m.
* Logan Elementary, 7601 Dunmanway - Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. & Lunch, 12 p.m.
* Milbrook Elementary, 4300 Crest Heights Rd. - Breakfast, 9:15 a.m. & Lunch, 12:45 p.m.
* Norwood Elementary, 1700 Delvale Ave. - Breakfast, 9:15 a.m. & Lunch, 12:45 p.m.
* Oakleigh Elementary, 1900 White Oak Ave. -Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. & Lunch, 12 p.m.
* Owings Mills Elementary, 10824 Reisterstown Rd. - Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. & Lunch, 12 p.m.
* Pleasant Plains Elementary, 8300 Pleasant Plains Rd. - Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. & Lunch, 12 p.m.
* Randallstown Elementary, 9013 Liberty Rd. - Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. & Lunch, 12 p.m.
* Red House Run Elementary, 1717 Weyburn Rd. - Breakfast, 9:15 a.m. & Lunch, 12:45 p.m.
* Riverview Elementary, 3298 Kessler Rd. - Breakfast, 9:15 a.m. & Lunch, 12:45 p.m.
* Sandalwood Elementary, 900 South Marlyn Ave. - Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. & Lunch, 12 p.m.
* Warren Elementary, 900 Bosley Rd. - Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. & Lunch, 12 p.m.
Family Connection Conferences for Kindergarten Families
SEATTLE, Washington, June 18 -- Seattle Public Schools issued the following news:
Ensuring our schools are inclusive and welcoming is a priority of staff and the School Board. Kindergarten in Seattle Public Schools is an important transition point in the lives of a family and student. We offer several options for kindergarten students to engage with their teacher and school leading up to the first day of class.
One state requirement, necessary for providing free all-day kindergarten, is the implementation of Family Connection, a parent-teacher conference held during the first three days of the
... Show Full Article
SEATTLE, Washington, June 18 -- Seattle Public Schools issued the following news:
Ensuring our schools are inclusive and welcoming is a priority of staff and the School Board. Kindergarten in Seattle Public Schools is an important transition point in the lives of a family and student. We offer several options for kindergarten students to engage with their teacher and school leading up to the first day of class.
One state requirement, necessary for providing free all-day kindergarten, is the implementation of Family Connection, a parent-teacher conference held during the first three days of theschool year.
Learning begins with building relationships. Family Connection visits are an opportunity for kindergarten teachers to find out about our youngest learners' strengths, abilities and needs during individual family conferences. The conference also can be celebrated as a special moment in the kindergarten transition process and an important step in a student's educational journey. The Washington state legislature approved use of up to three full school days to support Family Connection (SSHB 1723) in 2016.
Family Connection scheduling is negotiated with Seattle Education Association (SEA) and is included in the 2015-18 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Per the CBA, to support a strong transition to school, each elementary and K-8 school begins with family-teacher conferences, held during the three-day week following Labor Day. The following Monday, Sept. 10, all kindergarten students start school.
Seattle Public Schools serves more than 53,000 students, representing 150 countries of origin and many religions and practices. In our diverse community, observance of religious holidays occasionally overlaps with important school year dates. In 2018, Sept. 10 also marks Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
The district recognizes that conflicts between religious holidays and school-related activities may result in challenging decisions for families. While it may not be feasible, because of negotiated agreements and the complexity of our systems, to accommodate the varied religious observances of our families in the school calendar, staff respectfully acknowledge them and work to make accommodations. If your kindergarten student will be absent on Sept. 10 or 11, please let your child's teacher know during the Family Connection conference. Schools are already aware of the conflict and will work with individual families to make sure your child's first day is great. Observance of a religious and/or cultural holiday meets the criteria of excused absences. Read more about absences and attendance at Seattle Public Schools.
Our goal is to ensure the transition to kindergarten is as smooth as possible. Below is information on opportunities available to families and students leading up to Sept. 10. We are eager to welcome all of our students for the 2018-19 school year and will be ready to celebrate them whether they arrive on Sept. 5 (official first day of school for first through 12th graders), Sept. 10 or later in the week (for kindergartners).
Kindergarten Family Connection Visits
* Your school will contact you in August to schedule a Family Connection visit on Sept. 5, 6 or 7 with your child's teacher. Please let them know if they can arrange for an interpreter to ensure good communication.
* You can also contact your child's school in August to request a specific date and time.
* This 30-40-minute conference will give your kindergarten teacher a chance to learn about your child and family. This is your time to share your goals and to tell us about your child's strengths, abilities and needs.
Kindergarten Jump Start
* Most of our elementary and K-8 schools offer Jump Start. The purpose is to help kindergartners make a smooth transition to school.
* Jump Start is free. It is the week of Aug. 20-24. Please bring your child to school by 9 a.m. and return for pick up at 12 p.m.
* Adult family members will have a chance to meet with the school principal one morning during Jump Start.
* See the list of schools offering Jump Start. To register, visit our Early Learning webpage.
Kindergarten Transition
* One of the surest ways to ease children's transition to school is to give them opportunities to meet and make friends with fellow students. Many schools host "Popsicles in the Park" or kindergarten playdates throughout the summer.
* Check your school website's or contact the school PTA to find out dates and locations of meetups.
* Visit your school playground during the summer.
* Share your own stories or borrow picture books from the library about starting school. The Seattle Public Library has books, CDs and DVDs in many languages. If your child doesn't already have a library card, this is a great time to get one - just ask for help from your local branch library staff.
Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Children's Advocacy Center Announce Partnership to Support Students and Prevent Sexual Abuse
CHICAGO, Illinois, June 18 -- Chicago Public Schools issued the following news release:
Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Children's Advocacy Center (ChicagoCAC) today announced the launch of an extensive partnership to help improve the district's response, outreach, and prevention of sexual abuse. This partnership will enlist ChicagoCAC's expertise to play a key role in a collective effort to ensure CPS schools are safe environments for all students.
The collaborative effort to help prevent abuse and better support students builds on the district's recent commitment to re-check the backgrounds
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, June 18 -- Chicago Public Schools issued the following news release:
Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Children's Advocacy Center (ChicagoCAC) today announced the launch of an extensive partnership to help improve the district's response, outreach, and prevention of sexual abuse. This partnership will enlist ChicagoCAC's expertise to play a key role in a collective effort to ensure CPS schools are safe environments for all students.
The collaborative effort to help prevent abuse and better support students builds on the district's recent commitment to re-check the backgroundsof all adults who work in schools prior to the 2018-19 school year and the comprehensive Plan of Action CPS developed to safeguard students.
"Creating school cultures where student protection is prioritized above all else will take a collaborative effort, and we are grateful for Chicago Children's Advocacy Center's partnership in this multi-faceted effort to protect students," said CPS CEO Dr. Janice K Jackson. "Our extensive partnership will help create safer and more responsive school environments by training CPS employees on signs of abuse, connecting students with therapeutic resources, and leveraging additional partnerships to help protect Chicago's students. Chicago Children's Advocacy Center shares our commitment to improving support for all students, and we look forward to a productive partnership that will have a lasting positive impact on our schools."
"We're looking forward to working with CPS to support its comprehensive Plan of Action to help protect Chicago's students by implementing policies to prevent and respond to instances of sexual abuse. As our City's first responder to reports of child sexual abuse, ChicagoCAC will leverage our experience and expertise to train CPS staff on preventing and responding to sexual abuse and to ensure students have a safe learning environment." - Char Rivette, Executive Director, Chicago Children's Advocacy Center
Partnership Details:
The district's new partnership with ChicagoCAC will supplement district operations in several areas, all with the goal of creating safer schools and protecting students. Resources that will be provided to CPS include:
Therapy for students. ChicagoCAC will work with CPS to establish a rapid referral process to ChicagoCAC for students who are identified as possible victims of sexual abuse. ChicagoCAC will prioritize linking students to mental health services at the Center or one of its partner mental health providers. ChicagoCAC will also help connect families with staff who can provide case management and advocacy services.
Community Engagement: ChicagoCAC will lead a coalition of community providers who have expertise in trauma-informed care and work within CPS to provide mental health services and training on sexual health education. This coalition will be tasked with forming a more collaborative and comprehensive approach to improving trauma-informed practices at CPS.
Training: In order to train all CPS staff quickly and effectively, ChicagoCAC will combine in-person training with a customized webinar, as well as additional specialized training for CPS social workers, counselors, psychologists, nurses and crisis response team members, among others.
Training for all staff. ChicagoCAC will develop a training curriculum that principals will deliver to their staff that (1) clearly defines sexual abuse and misconduct, (2) reviews warning behaviors of sexual abuse (grooming), and (3) thoroughly explains mandated reporting responsibilities. The training will be customized to CPS' needs and will include age-appropriate content.
Keeping Children Safe Webinar Training: ChicagoCAC will develop a professional, interactive webinar that includes instruction featuring videos of survivors and an exam that participants will be required to pass to confirm their understanding of their responsibilities to keep children safe.
Crisis response team training: ChicagoCAC will work with CPS to create a customized training for members of the district's crisis management team about effectively supporting students when sexual abuse is reported. The training is based on recommendations from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN).
Training for Specialized Positions: ChicagoCAC will provide specialized training for CPS social workers, counselors, psychologists, nurses and others on student recovery following sexual abuse and working with survivors of abuse.
Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Collaboration: ChicagoCAC will include a representative from CPS on its multi-disciplinary leadership team to foster ongoing collaboration with the district. Multi-disciplinary team members -- including representatives from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Chicago Police Department, and Cook County State's Attorney's Office -- will assist CPS with training and response protocols related to abuse allegations.
Plan of Action to Protect Chicago's Children
Nothing is more important to Chicago Public Schools than the safety and wellbeing of our students, and to ensure CPS is doing everything possible to prevent abuse, the district has developed a comprehensive Plan of Action to protect Chicago's children.
As CPS works to execute its Plan of Action, the district will be keeping parents updated on a regular basis through a new web page at CPS.edu/ProtectingStudents.
Most importantly, if you suspect abuse, please report it immediately to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services at 800-25-ABUSE.
Chicago Public Schools serves 371,000 students in 646 schools. It is the nation's third-largest school district.
TCSA Names Coleman New CEO
AUSTIN, Texas, June 15 -- The Texas Charter Schools Association issued the following news release:
The Texas Charter Schools Association this week announced the hiring of Starlee Coleman as the organization's new Chief Executive Officer.
Prior to coming to TCSA, Coleman founded SchoolForward LLC, a public affairs firm in Washington, D.C. that advances education reform policy objectives. The firm advises a number of high-profile clients, including the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.
Tom Castro, chairman of the TCSA Board of Directors, said the organization undertook an extensive
... Show Full Article
AUSTIN, Texas, June 15 -- The Texas Charter Schools Association issued the following news release:
The Texas Charter Schools Association this week announced the hiring of Starlee Coleman as the organization's new Chief Executive Officer.
Prior to coming to TCSA, Coleman founded SchoolForward LLC, a public affairs firm in Washington, D.C. that advances education reform policy objectives. The firm advises a number of high-profile clients, including the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.
Tom Castro, chairman of the TCSA Board of Directors, said the organization undertook an extensivesearch for its new CEO.
"Our search committee and board considered many outstanding candidates from Texas and nationally," Castro said. "We are excited that Starlee will be our new CEO. She has a strong track record working with public charters around the country. Starlee is a great communicator and executive. She will be a terrific ambassador to tell the Texas charter story as we grow to serve more Texas families."
Prior to her work with SchoolForward, Coleman served as Vice President for Communications for the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, developing public relations campaigns to help pass and improve public charter school laws throughout the country. Her campaigns focused on the growing successes public charters have enjoyed nationally.
"Texas has grown one of the most promising and exciting charter school communities in the country," Coleman said. "Texas charter schools focus on students and support teachers with the freedom and flexibility to teach. I am excited to lead the organization's efforts to build on this success and provide services to the dedicated and talented educators and their charter schools."
Born in Texas, Coleman earned her Bachelor of Arts in English at Arizona State University in 1998 and was part of the University's Honors College.
"TCSA's future is in great hands with Starlee," said Chuck Cook, Interim CEO of the TCSA. "Starlee brings a wealth of experience both with public charter schools and working with elected officials. She's going to be an outstanding leader for the TCSA team."
Coleman is married to Texas-native Michael Coleman, a Baylor University graduate. The couple has an 8-month-old daughter, Autumn.
Coleman will assume the CEO position starting Sept. 4, but will be attending the National Charter Schools Conference, which will be held in Austin next week.
SBOE Approves Four New Charters for 2019
AUSTIN, Texas, June 15 -- The Texas Charter Schools Association issued the following news release:
The Texas State Board of Education Friday authorized four new charter schools as Generation 23 Charters. The schools will begin operations in August 2019.
These schools began a rigorous authorization process in September 2017 and successfully completed both an external application review as well as extensive interviews by Texas Education Agency staff and members of the State Board of Education before being recommended for a charter by Commissioner Mike Morath in May 2018.
At maximum enrollment,
... Show Full Article
AUSTIN, Texas, June 15 -- The Texas Charter Schools Association issued the following news release:
The Texas State Board of Education Friday authorized four new charter schools as Generation 23 Charters. The schools will begin operations in August 2019.
These schools began a rigorous authorization process in September 2017 and successfully completed both an external application review as well as extensive interviews by Texas Education Agency staff and members of the State Board of Education before being recommended for a charter by Commissioner Mike Morath in May 2018.
At maximum enrollment,these schools will make the goal of public school choice possible for over 4,200 Texas students.
Two of the schools are slated to open in the Houston/Harris County area: Bloom Academy, headed by CEO Courtney Sales, is opening as a K-1st school with a projected enrollment of 180 and a maximum K-5th enrollment of 1,080; and Reve Preparatory, led by CEO Traci Thibodeaux, which will open as a K-1st school with a projected enrollment of 180 and a maximum K-8th grade enrollment of 1,620.
Also approved are Promesa Academy, led by CEO Ambika Dani, which is set to open in San Antonio, starting as a K-1st school with a projected enrollment of 176 and a maximum K-5th enrollment of 1,056. Finally, the Elementary School for Education Innovation, led by CEO Dr. Miranda Condra, will open in Lubbock as a K-2nd school with a projected enrollment of 270 and a maximum K-5th enrollment of 540.
After fulfilling any contingencies set forth by TEA, the new charters will receive an initial contract for five years of operation, subject to maintaining successful academic and financial accountability.
Of the four schools selected, three contracted with TCSA and received either extensive application development and review services prior to submission or preparation for TEA interviews after completing the external review process.
All of the schools will have the opportunity participate in a series of year zero "launch" trainings, offered at no cost to the schools by TCSA through grants from the Walton Family Foundation and the Anonymous Fund to prepare the schools for their openings next year.
Public Input Encouraged for High School Enrollment Study in Baltimore County
TOWSON, Maryland, June 15 -- Baltimore County Public Schools issued the following news release:
Baltimore County Public Schools invites the public to be part of its High School Capacity Study. The purpose is to study all BCPS high schools and identify potential options and strategies for providing enough seats for growing enrollment.
"I look forward to hearing from our entire BCPS family in order to guide planning for all of our high schools," said BCPS Superintendent Verletta White. "With high school overcrowding projected to peak in the next decade, now is the time to develop plans in close
... Show Full Article
TOWSON, Maryland, June 15 -- Baltimore County Public Schools issued the following news release:
Baltimore County Public Schools invites the public to be part of its High School Capacity Study. The purpose is to study all BCPS high schools and identify potential options and strategies for providing enough seats for growing enrollment.
"I look forward to hearing from our entire BCPS family in order to guide planning for all of our high schools," said BCPS Superintendent Verletta White. "With high school overcrowding projected to peak in the next decade, now is the time to develop plans in closecollaboration with our community."
The public input process began in June 2018 with community focus groups that are helping to develop the potential options and strategies to provide sufficient high school capacity across the system.
The entire community is invited to participate in two rounds of feedback through public information sessions and an online survey. Each public information session will include a brief presentation, and the community will be able to view and discuss options and strategies with staff, and complete the online survey. The survey will be translated into six languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
The first round of public information sessions will take place in July 2018 on the following dates, with the online survey available from July 9 - 22, 2018.
* July 9, 2018, Catonsville High School Cafeteria, 7 - 8 p.m.
* July 12, 2018, George Washington Carver High School Auditorium, 7 - 8 p.m.
* July 17, 2018, Dundalk High School Cafeteria, 7 - 8 p.m.
The second round of public information sessions and the second survey window will take place in September 2018, with dates to be announced.
A complete timeline for the study is available, culminating in the presentation of options and strategies to the Board of Education of Baltimore County.
The study is being led by Sage Policy Group, Inc., with support from the Board of Education, Baltimore County Government, and Maryland legislators from Baltimore County.
Email comments may be submitted to highschoolstudy@bcps.org. All email comments received are public record, and will be logged and posted to the High School Capacity Study webpage including names but not email addresses. Personal information should be avoided (e.g., phone numbers, student names).
