Charter Schools - What is Really Happening
The first thing to understand is that Congress is considering a bill to support and expand charter schools. The other, a charter school bill, is aimed at growing more high-quality charters and encouraging them to better serve students with disabilities and English-language learners. That bill also won swift approval, but not before a number of committee Democrats lambasted charter schools for si
Washington State Waiting for Washington, D.C. on Waiver
From Education Week:All eyes have been on Washington state since lawmakers there adjourned last month without making a key change to their teacher-evaluation system that would have enabled the state to hang on to its flexibility from the mandates of the much-maligned No Child Left Behind Act.And now, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is on the verge of yanking Washington state's waiver, seve
Puget Sound Education Meetings of Interest
Meeting on Wilson-Pacific on May 13thFrom the district: To address growing enrollment and capacity needs, Seattle voters passed the 2013 Seattle Public Schools Building Excellence IV (BEX IV) Capital Levy. As a result, a new middle school and new elementary school are scheduled to open in time for the 2017-18 school year. A newly renovated play field will be located between the two new buildings o
Something is Well and Truly Screwed Up in Special Education
I want to fill in some details about the Curriculum and Instruction Policy Committee meeting on Monday. Three members of the Special Education staff, including the chief of that department, Ms McWilliams, presented the Board with the program placements for Special Ed for 2014-2015. At that time they described the status of the implementation of the new Special Education system. Their presentation
Seattle Schools Work Session/Committee Meeting Updates
The Work Sessions scheduled for today now have their agendas available.One is the Risk Management; Insurance Coverage Review. On the face of it, this department seems to be doing a good job. I only say "seems" because insurance is not my area so it's hard to discern any issues. Two items of note:Page 6 about Liability Coverage Seattle Public Schools’ experience – One claim in exces
4-8-14 Seattle Schools Community Forum
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Curriculum and Instruction Policy Committee meeting notesThe Board Curriculum and Instruction Policy Committee met yesterday (Monday, April 7). The agenda included an update on Creative Approach Schools, information on the application for a SIG grant by Rainier Beach High School, an update on Special Education program placement, and an update and further discussion