What a great week for Educators!!!
On Monday, Governor Deal signed the FY 17 Budget which "includes an additional $300 million for K-12 education that local school districts can use to enhance teacher’s salaries while also working to keep students and teachers in the classroom for full calendar years." He saw that many districts still had furlough days and he listened to educators concerning the need to reduce or completely get rid of those.
On Tuesday, Gov. Deal showed his appreciation for the work of educators by listening to their concerns about the evaluation system and assessments and signed SB 364. As we continue to try to find ways to improve the educational system, it is imperative that we revisit policy decisions from time to time to see if we need to make improvements, and this bill does that. Thanks to the Governor for listening to the concerns raised as well as all those who got it to his desk.
There were also some very interesting vetoes but the one at the forefront would have to be SB 355, this is the opt-out bill. Governor Deal stated, "local school systems have the flexibility to determine opt-out procedures for its students who cannot take the assessments in addition to those who choose not to take such assessments. As there is no need for state-level intervention in addition to the regulations already set in place on a local level, I veto SB 355."
The last bit of information from the Capitol comes straight from Georgia School Boards Association, GSBA: Beware the Ballot Question
If you vote in the Republican primary May 24th or before, you will find a non-binding question on vouchers although it doesn't use the word: "Should Georgia empower parents with the right to use the tax dollars allocated for the education of their children, allowing them the freedom to choose among public, private, virtual, and home school?" The question describes the education savings account type voucher.
If you thought I meant that other ballot question, the one coming up in November, the Governor's office released the updated list of schools eligible to be taken over based on the 2015 CCRPI scores. There are a bunch of changes from last year's list as expected. Odd to go from "failing" to oh-never-mind, but there we are. Some will say the improvements are a result of being pressured by the proposed takeover, but some people will also try to sell you a bridge to nowhere. The 2015 scores are from 2014-15 and reflect work already taking place.
Now on to CCRPI
Our scores were made public yesterday and frankly they were not very good; however, after getting our milestone data last Fall we were not expecting great things from CCRPI. The good thing is: WE HAVE A PLAN!
Our plan going forward is to use our Strategic Waiver and our calendar to build strong units with standard based assessments at all levels, to create a professional learning community that looks at vertical planning and team planning, and to create data teams to determine root causes. In addition, the Administrators will continue the monthly A-Team meetings to grow and be able to assist in the process. We have many opportunities and we are putting together the team to conquer these opportunities.
Teachers and Staff, I appreciate all that you do and I know you put a lot of time and energy into your profession. Not everyone can do what you do.
Thanks.
