Please find below document concerning preparation for the H1N1 Influenza as compiled by the CDC for Public Health officials and School Administrators. 

Questions and Answers about CDC Guidance for State and Local Public Health Officials
and School Administrators for School (K-12) Responses to Influenza
during the 2009-2010 School Year

Aug. 25, 2009

Good morning,

This is an extremely busy time for Ohio’s schools as the majority of districts are opening their 2009-2010 school year this week. In fact, most schools threw open their doors today. I am sure that most of you are now asking, “Summer? What summer?” 

I had the pleasure of being present at several districts’ convocation programs during the past week. It was an honor for me to offer encouraging words and to challenge everyone to think about their next level of work as plans unfold for a highly successful year. I was thrilled to be in the midst of so much excitement for these celebratory moments truly exemplify what is so special about being in the education profession – that our work allows us to connect our hearts in the most noble of all professions!

The hectic pace of today is elevated by the release of the state and local report cards. The 2008-2009 report cards mark 10 years of compiling and summarizing information about Ohio schools. The first “official” report cards (prototype report cards were issued in 1998) were issued in 1999 as a requirement of Senate Bill 55, passed in 1997.

Since then, I am pleased to say that Ohio schools have made a great deal of progress. The state results reiterate what many of us have known for a long time – our students are making steady improvements as we continue to create a world-class education system in Ohio. The contributions of our caring educators across the state definitely impact our students in ways beyond what is actually measured on the state report card.

I would like to thank each of you for your hard work and dedicated efforts to enhancing student achievement. I also would like to congratulate our students for their increasing improvement even as we raise the bar and increase our expectations of their growth.

During the next several weeks, I will be sharing some additional information, especially about our areas of continued challenges. By addressing these issues collectively, we will ensure that the quality of a student’s education is not predetermined by factors such as geographical settings, race, mobility, language, gender or socio-economic status.

This morning we held a conference call for the media at 9:30 a.m. At 10 a.m. the Interactive Local Report Card System (iLRC), including Power User Reports and PDFs of district and building report cards was made available.  

ODE staff has prepared a Guide to Understanding Ohio’s Accountability System. This booklet is designed to help members of the media become familiar with the accountability system. Of course, we hope this document will be useful to you, members of your staff, and your boards of education who are responsible for explaining your report card results to the media. The guide, along with links to the iLRC, the state report card, and ODE’s news release can be found at reportcard.ohio.gov.

Again, please accept my best wishes for a wonderful school year. May it bring new possibilities and adventures! I look forward to your sharing your good stories with me throughout the year.

Sincerely,

Here are some other items that may be of interest to you:

• Rehabilitation rules “final filed” with JCARR

• Stimulus Funding update
• Ohio Value-Added conference scheduled Sept. 23
• Resources available for celebrating Constitution Day on Sept. 17

Rehabilitation rules “final filed” with JCARR
As mentioned in the Aug. 3 issue of EdConnection, rules regarding standards of employment for licensed applicants and employees, non-licensed applicants and employees, and school bus and school van driver applicants and employees with certain criminal convictions have been going through the administrative rule process over the past few months.

Last week, the final rules were final filed with the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). The rules are scheduled to go into effect Aug. 27, 2009. 

Stimulus Funding Update
Among the updates to the ODE Stimulus (ARRA) Update Web page are new ARRA Stabilization Fund (SFSF) FAQs, the new 2009-2010 ARRA Title II D competitive grant recipients list, and instructions for entering your DUNS number into OEDS. Click here and look in the ‘New Items’ box at the top of the page for links. In addition, be sure to view to last week’s Special ARRA School Finance E-Newsletter, which is also available on the ODE Stimulus Update Web page.

Ohio Value-Added conference scheduled Sept. 23
Harnessing the Power of Data to Accelerate Student Progress is the theme for a one-day conference sponsored by Battelle for Kids on Sept. 23. The conference will provide educators information on how to use value-added information to explore new educational frontiers for school improvement by focusing on the use of data. Ohio practitioners and national experts will share strategies and resources available to improve teaching and accelerate student progress.

For more details and registration information, click here or call (614) 481-3141.

Resources available for celebrating Constitution Day on Sept. 17
Each year, schools across the country help students understand the importance of the U.S. Constitution by observing Constitution Day on Sept. 17. All educational institutions that receive federal funding are required to plan an education program each year to celebrate the Sept. 17, 1787, signing of the U. S. Constitution.

A number of resources are available to help you plan Constitution Day activities, including:

• The National Constitution Center, an independent, non-partisan, and non-profit organization dedicated to increasing public understanding of, and appreciation for, the Constitution, its history, and its contemporary relevance;
• Constitution Day, Inc., whose mission is to perpetuate the Constitution to each succeeding generation;

• The National Archives and Records Administration, which celebrates Constitution Day by presenting activities, lesson plans and information pertaining to the Constitution;
• The U.S. Department of Education’s Web site Federal Resources for Educational Excellence, which contains information from more than 30 federal agencies on federally supported teaching and learning resources available to teachers; and
• The Library of Congress, which preserves valuable federal records including documents from the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789.

Note: You also may find this document online at http://education.ohio.gov by searching keywords: EdConnection. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions about this weekly e-mail or would like to be added to the mailing list, please feel free to contact me at superintendent@ode.state.oh.us.

Aug. 20, 2009

Good morning, 

It’s been a little more than a month since Governor Strickland signed House Bill 1, the state budget bill. Since that time, I have promised to provide you with information as it becomes available.

Many of the greatest changes made in HB 1 were to the way school districts and community schools are funded. The Evidence-Based Funding Model (EBM) funds schools much differently than the previous building block system. As such, it has taken us a few weeks to update our funding systems to reflect those changes. We have prepared funding simulations for FY 2010 and FY 2011 using the EBM formula. Those simulations are available here. Figures presented in these simulations may vary from previously released estimates.

Additionally, we have put together a funding table that explains the different components of the EBM and how they are used to calculate district funding. The chart is available here.

Aside from funding-related questions, we also have fielded several questions regarding the new responsibilities for school districts. We have constructed a chart that explains these responsibilities, provides any available information regarding timing and a reference to the section of the Ohio Revised Code in which the provision exists. The chart sorted by date of expected implementation is available here, and is also available here sorted by responsibility category.
All of this information and more can be found on ODE’s Education Reform Plan Information page (formerly the 2010-11 Budget Information page).

I hope this information finds you in the middle of an exciting first week of school, or eagerly awaiting your first week. Either way, I hope you enjoy yourself.

Sincerely,

Aug. 17, 2009

Good morning, 

For some of you, your hallways will be much livelier this week or next as you begin your school year. I am sure your fields are busy as fall sports practices intensify and the band is practicing. One great thing about this time of year is that it is so easy to regain energy when you listen to the band, feel the excitement of new teachers, and prepare for your many convocations, new teacher orientations, and welcome back programs for families and staff.

Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking to a group of nearly 500 teachers at the first Great Teachers Make Great Schools conference here in Columbus. Talking to this group about the upcoming year and offering encouragement to forge through the challenges that lie ahead, I almost felt like a district superintendent again. I was energized by the attendees’ quest to enhance their instructional practices and to create a strong network to continue to share and grow throughout the upcoming school year.

When you are talking to your teachers in the coming days, please share with them my extreme appreciation for what they (and you) do for your students each day. I understand that many questions still loom about the impacts of the state budget on education, both financially and in the classroom. ODE staff members and I are well aware of many of your questions.

One issue we have received several questions about is the provision in HB 1 that prohibits instructional fees to be charged to students eligible for free lunch under the National School Lunch Program. We have developed an FAQ sheet, available here, on this topic. We will continue to develop FAQ sheets as other issues arise. Another question we have received several times is whether the elimination of the Ohio Achievement Tests in writing and social studies applies to only the 4th and 5th grade tests. The August edition of the Ides of ODE, we have provided clarification that writing and social studies test in 4th, 5th, 7th and 8th grade have been suspended. To read the full explanation, click here, search keyword: Ides, and select the August 2009 edition.

Additionally, a summary of the effect of the budget on education has been developed (available here) and we are working on updating the foundation payment system to reflect the new Evidence-Based Funding Model included in the budget. In the meantime, we have put together an Evidence-Based chart that outlines how the components of the EBM are used to determine funding for school districts.

We are still creating various other documents (such as the road map that defines a timeline for study and implementation of the various components of the EBM). Given that the bill was only signed one month ago, we are working as quickly as we can to ensure that your many questions are being addressed. Thank you for your patience during this process and we will continue to share new information as it is developed.

State and Local Report Card Release
Next Tuesday, Aug. 25, ODE will be releasing the results of the state and local report cards. We will be holding a conference call for the media at 9:30 a.m. At 10 a.m. the Interactive Local Report Card System (iLRC), including Power User Reports and PDFs of district and building report cards, will be available. This year, we will not be releasing any data under embargo to the media.

ODE staff has prepared a Guide to Understanding Ohio’s Accountability System. This booklet is designed to help members of the media become familiar with the accountability system. Of course, we hope this document will be useful to you or members of your staff who will be responsible for explaining your report card results to the media. The guide, along with links to the iLRC can be found at reportcard.ohio.gov.

ARRA update
Last Friday you should have received a special EdConnection regarding federal stimulus funds and special reporting requirements that the federal government has mandated in order to receive stimulus funds. Additionally, a special Treasures’ Newsletter, prepared by our Office of School Finance, contains information about ARRA fund deadlines and allowable uses. We have also put together information about obtaining a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number, also required by the federal government. Both the newsletter and DUNS information are available on ODE’s Stimulus Update page.

Sept. 11 recognized as National Day of Service and Remembrance
Patriot Day is observed on Sept. 11 each year to remember those who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks. President Barack Obama has ordered that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff and asks Americans to observe a moment of silence, beginning at 8:46 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) to mark the first plane crash.

On April 21, 2009, the president signed legislation that for the first time officially establishes Sept. 11 as a federally recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance.

By volunteering, performing good deeds or engaging in other forms of charitable service during the week of Sept. 7, your students can help rekindle the spirit of unity, service and compassion shared by so many in the immediate aftermath of the attacks. They also can contribute to a historic legacy in the name of those lost and injured on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as military personnel who continue to serve to this day.

A number of Web sites offer lesson plans for teachers. Ideas for performing service activities in your area are also available by clicking here.

Recommended reading: College Knowledge by David Conley
I know that you are currently overwhelmed with many day-to-day tasks to get ready for the opening of school. However, I am hoping that you are also ready to continue to enhance your knowledge about essential topics in education. Thus, my selection of this month’s recommended reading – no matter the level of education in which you work. Dr. Conley reviews the many facets of not only preparing students for college but for also providing them with the skills they need to graduate from college. What is vital is to understand that no matter the level of education on which you are focused (elementary, middle, or high school), we must all work on preparing our students for college so that they have a choice on how they spend their years beyond high school.

So- this is a great “book study” title for you and various stakeholder groups. Let me know what you think!

I hope that those of you beginning your school year this week are as excited as I am to continue shaping the future of our students, and for those of you that still have a week or more to go – be ready, it will be here before you know it!

Best wishes as you throw open the doors of your schools to America’s future!  Together we will create a world class system of education in Ohio!  Thanks for everything you do to enhance the lives of our students and their families.

Sincerely,

Here are some other items that may be of interest to you:

• Story offers ideas for discussing Local Report Card with parents
• Proposals due Aug. 31 for Ohio Prevention and Education Conference
• Aug. 19 is the deadline to submit information for the 2009-2010 Ohio Educational Directory
• Physical Education Academic Content Standards training workshop to be held Oct. 16

Story offers ideas for discussing Local Report Card with parents
ODE’s home page this week contains a feature story called How are our kids doing? Ohio’s 2009 Local Report Cards. Please feel free to share ideas and messages from the story with parents, families and the community. 

Proposals due Aug. 31 for Ohio Prevention and Education Conference
Student services professionals and other educators are encouraged to submit proposals for presentations that focus on preventing and reducing substance abuse and related risky behaviors for the 2009 Ohio Prevention and Education Conference. Proposals are due by Aug. 31. The Conference is sponsored by ODE and the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services and will be held Nov. 18-19 in Columbus.

The conference provides professional development to Ohio’s educators, substance abuse counselors and mental health professionals in three tracks: research and evidence-based prevention strategies; cultural and linguistic competency; and coordination across multiple systems and disciplines. Presenters of selected 90-minutes presentations will receive free conference registration. To access the workshop proposal packet, click here. For more information about the conference, contact Jill Jackson at (614) 466-9540.  

Aug. 19 is the deadline to submit information for the 2009-2010 Ohio Educational Directory
The last day to update information for the 2009-2010 Ohio Educational Directory in the Ohio Educational Directory System - Redesign (OEDS-R) is Aug. 19. Since the information in OEDS-R is used for funding notifications, grant opportunities and mailings of educational materials, it is important to verify each record. It is also the source for e-mail addresses for the EdConnection e-mail.

Public and nonpublic district superintendents, including joint vocational school districts, educational service centers and county boards of MRDD; community school principals; and independent nonpublic principals are responsible for ensuring that all information reported in the directory is up-to-date and accurate. Superintendents or principals may also assign a designee to be the OEDS-R administrator for your school or district.

The person updating OEDS-R must have a SAFE account and have been designated as an OEDS-R administrator to make changes in OEDS-R. Once the OEDS-R administrator has logged in and selected OEDS-R from the application menu, instructions detailing how to update are available by clicking on the Updating OEDS-R link in the left menu bar.

After all changes are complete, check the box at the bottom of the record on the “General” tab next to the paragraph that begins, “Checking this box is an indicator to the OEDS System Administrator that the organization data has been updated and is available for inclusion in the annual directory.”

Clicking the box assures that the information has been submitted properly. If you do not verify the information by clicking the box, your updated information will not appear in the directory.

If you have questions about the update process, please contact your Information Technology Center (ITC) first. If you need more assistance, e-mail OEDSR.Support@ode.state.oh.us. For questions about SAFE accounts, please send an e-mail to Safe.Admin@ode.state.oh.us.

Physical Education Academic Content Standards training workshop to be held Oct. 16
The State Board of Education adopted standards for physical education at its June 2009 meeting. ODE will hold a free workshop on Friday, Oct. 16 to help educators learn how to incorporate the standards in their local curriculum. This session, which can accommodate up to 40 participants, will be held at Wright State University from 9 a.m. to noon.

Pre-registration is required to attend the session. Individuals must register through STARS using a SAFE Account. If you do not have a SAFE account, you can obtain one at https://safe.ode.state.oh.us/portal/ and following the instructions. Registration will run from Monday, Sept. 14 through Wednesday, Oct. 14. For more information, please contact Lisa Lyle Henry at lisa.henry@ode.state.oh.us.

This special edition of the EdConnection contains information concerning the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Recently, important ARRA guidance has been released and ODE wants to ensure you have the necessary information to meet all the ARRA accountability and reporting provisions and successfully implement your reforms associated with this historic funding.

Please don’t hesitate to contact ODE’s Stimulus Management Team at Recovery@ode.state.oh.us with any questions you may have. Click here to visit ODE’s Stimulus Update Web site. 

Thank you for your patience and continued efforts to ensure Ohio’s successful implementation of ARRA. 

Sincerely,

Reporting Requirements and Guidance
On July 30, 2009, ODE received reporting guidance from Ohio’s Office of Budget and Management (OBM) regarding Section 1512 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Section 1512 of the Recovery Act requires quarterly reports on the use of Recovery Act funding by recipients. LEAs and other sub-recipients of ARRA funds must report information to the state that will be collectively reported to the federal reporting hub. The first submission period to send these reports to ODE is Sept. 1-11, 2009, so ODE can meet its October 10 federal submission deadline. 

In order to comply with the federal reporting requirements, LEAs will need to provide ODE, on a quarterly-basis, three types of ARRA reporting information: job estimates, location information, and vendor information. ODE is currently in the final stages of sifting through this guidance.

Please note: at this time the data elements specified below are the minimum of what will be required. ODE will provide, in a timely manner, more detailed information to LEAs on any further data elements needed and the systems in which we plan to gather this reporting information. In the meantime, please remember to obtain or validate your DUNS number. 

You will be notified shortly how to input your DUNS number into OEDS. At this time, only LEAs that receive direct ARRA funding from the federal government need to register with the CCR and report the 1512 data requirements for direct ARRA grants to the federal reporting hub. In other words, you will need to do your own reporting for any funds not distributed by the state.

Data Required (minimum) for each ARRA program for which you are receiving funds

• Job Estimates:
• An estimate of the total FTE number of jobs created and retained.
• A brief description of the types of jobs created (those new positions created and filled, or previously unfilled positions that are filled as a result of ARRA funding) and jobs retained (those previously existing positions that are retained as a result of ARRA funding).Vendor Information ( for vendors whose ARRA contract is greater than $25,000):
• Award number or other Identifying number assigned by the LEA to the Vendor.
• Vendor headquarters Name and Zip Code
• Location Information:
• If the bulk of the ARRA funds that you are receiving are being expended at a location other than your physical address, that location will need to be reported.

  ODE will do its best to provide as much support as possible throughout this process.     

ODE Reporting Timeline for LEAs:

• Aug 3 – Aug 31: Obtain and enter DUNS number into OEDS (exact release date to follow)
• Sep 1 – Sep 11: Submit data outlined above to ODE (system used to submit data to be announced later)
• Sep 15 – Sep 21: LEAs review data submitted (system used to review data to be announced later)

Process for Obtaining a DUNS Number
Districts that receive ARRA funds are required to obtain a DUNS number. (Click here for more information.) Please remember to obtain or validate your DUNS number. You will be notified shortly how to input your DUNS number into OEDS. Until we hear otherwise, ODE will continue to believe that only LEAs that receive direct ARRA funding from the federal government need to register with the CCR. 

Frequently Asked Questions for D&B and CCR Registrations:  http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayFAQPage.do
Central Contractor’s Registration (CCR) User’s Guide:  http://www.bpn.gov/ccr/doc/CCRUsersGuide.pdf
CCR:  Step by Step New Registration Screen Shots: 
http://www.bpn.gov/ccr/Handbook.aspx

A Special (ARRA) Edition of the Treasurers’ Newsletter covering the following topics will be sent in the coming week:

• State Fiscal Stabilization Funds – Allowable Uses
• Caution on using SFSF for District-Level IDEA Maintenance of Effort (MOE)
• USDOE Unveils New Guidance on Key ARRA Funds
• Comment on Supplement, Not Supplant
• Title I and IDEA:  Maintenance of Effort (MOE) and Supplement, Not Supplant (SNS).
• Title I ARRA Waiver Guidance
• Deadline for Clean Diesel School Bus Fund approaching

‘Race To The Top’ Federal Grants

Eight states recently passed new legislation removing barriers from charter schools to better compete for these $4.35 billion federal grants.  OCQE is working with the General Assembly exploring ways to improve Ohio charter school law and contend for these federal funds.

See Gongwer article below.

Ron F. Adler
President
Ohio Coalition for Quality Education
Website: www.ocqe.org

SENATE PRESIDENT TARGETS CHARTER SCHOOL CAP FOR FEDERAL 'RACE TO THE TOP' MONEY
Senate President Bill Harris said Tuesday that he wants to lift the cap on opening new charter schools to boost Ohio's chances of getting additional stimulus money - a plan that will likely prove a hard sell to Gov. Ted Strickland.
Sen. Harris (R-Ashland) said he wanted the Senate to quickly pass Sen. Jon Husted's (R-Kettering) pending legislation, which would scrap state limits on the creation of new charter schools. (See Gongwer Ohio Report, July 30, 2009)
"We're trying to help the administration get more in tune with President Obama on charter schools so that we can get some more of that stimulus money. We think that would be a good idea," he said in an interview.
"There's lots of things the Obama administration is doing that I have some concerns with, but I think that is an initiative they're taking that has a tremendous impact on the education of young people," he said, referring to the $4.35 billion in federal "Race to the Top" funds.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said recently that state limits on charter schools could affect their chances of winning the competitive federal grants, which are designed to spur innovation in education.
"The Race to the Top program marks a new federal partnership in education reform with states, districts and unions to accelerate change and boost achievement," he said in a recent op-ed published in the Washington Post.
"Yet the program is also a competition through which states can increase or decrease their odds of winning federal support. For example, states that limit alternative routes to certification for teachers and principals, or cap the number of charter schools, will be at a competitive disadvantage," he said.
Gongwer News Service  /  August 11, 2009

OCQE Correction / Analysis HB-1

All-Day Kindergarten Funding: Apparently, there remains a question if students will be counted as 1.0 FTE or if funding will remain as status quo.  After talking to the ODE and General Assembly there are clearly different views as to legislative intent

OCQE is pursuing clarification of this language as well as full year payment for kindergarten students who will be 5-years of age by January 1 of the school year.

ra

Ron F. Adler
President
Ohio Coalition for Quality Education
Phone: 937.239.7969
Email:  radler@ocqe.org
Website: www.ocqe.org

Aug. 10, 2009

Good morning, 

I hope your August is off to a great start. I am sure that the activity in your districts is growing every day. Administrators are returning, new students are registering, new staff are preparing, veteran staff are anticipating, and football teams are practicing. I do miss the beehive of activity of a school district in August so I hope you will permit me to live vicariously through your experiences!

I want to thank so many of you for including me in your annual retreats. It was wonderful to experience the high-level programs so many ESCs orchestrated for their various district teams. I truly appreciated having an opportunity to share some thoughts with you and have open dialogues about the many challenges we are all facing. These opportunities also allowed me to hear your concerns and questions as you prepare for the return of your students. I greatly appreciate your candor because it helps me frame the work for our team at ODE so we may serve as your critical partner and find new ways and outlets to provide resources, guidance and support in your important work.

With the call for education reform coming from the national level by President Barack Obama and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, ODE co-hosted a conference Thursday titled Capitalizing on Federal Stimulus Funding to Advance High School Innovation in Ohio. This conference aimed to provide direction and examples to school districts on ways to use federal school improvement and Title I funds in bold and innovative ways, with a focus at the high school level. Ohio is facing challenges to raise student achievement and graduation rates, in addition to finding new ways to engage students in learning.

It was a productive conference, and comments indicated that those in attendance found the discussion valuable.  Here are presentations which you will find valuable:  

Ohio's Mandate for High School Innovation and Results: Marshalling Your Resources
Presenter:  Dr. Zollie Stevenson, U.S. Department of Education

Fiscal Requirements Title I, Part A
Presenter:  Sandy Brown, U.S. Department of Education

Schoolwide Pooling
Presenters:  Rebecca Ruckel, Cincinnati Public Schools, and Stephanie Gerber, Ohio Department of Education   

On a broader scale, it also sent a clear message to our presenters from the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) that Ohio is actively engaged and committed to using our federal dollars for their intended purposes of educational reform. We were joined by Jo Anderson, Senior Advisor, Zollie Stevenson, Director of the Office of Student Achievement and School Accountability, and Title I Coordinator Sandy Brown from the USDOE.

I greatly appreciate the efforts of ODE staff and our conference partners including the KnowledgeWorks Foundation, Battelle Memorial Institute, KidsOhio, and the Ohio Grantmakers Forum to produce this meaningful event.  

Web feature shares information and ideas for teachers and curriculum directors
I invite you to check out a story on the home page of the ODE Web site that may be of interest to you and your teachers.
Underwater engineers: Princeton students design ROVs tells the success story of a teacher and students who serve as a model of project-based learning, especially integrating skills and knowledge across the curriculum.

Sincerely,

Here are some other items that may be of interest to you:

• Watch for important ARRA update this week
• Value-Added data to be added to SDC

• Reminder about 1 percent limit on alternate assessments and the new flexibility for computing AYP for SWD only
• CDC issues new guidance for H1N1 influenza virus and related planning
• District application now open for Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Interns or district sign-on bonus

• Committee opportunities available
• Physical Education Academic Content Standards training workshop to be held Oct. 16

Watch for important ARRA update this week
Watch your e-mail for a special EdConnection ARRA (Stimulus) supplement this week detailing important information about:

• ODE Submits Title I Waiver Requests to USDOE
• Reporting Information
• Limitations on the Uses of Funds
• Other News

To view the ODE ARRA (Stimulus) Update Web page, click here.

Value-Added data to be added to SDC
As you prepare for the release of report card data for the 2008-2009 school year, remember that data currently available on the Secure Data Center (SDC) does not yet reflect results of the Value-Added calculation. We anticipate this data being added to the SDC about Aug. 18.  Schools and districts that had a value-added rating of ‘Below Expected Growth’ (in the red, or with a negative sign) in the past two years should pay close attention to the impact of Value-Added on their final designation.

Reminder about 1 percent limit on alternate assessments and the new flexibility for computing AYP for SWD only
Based on guidance received by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE), Ohio was notified (this spring) that it would be restricted to limit the count of proficient or higher scores on the alternate assessment to 1 percent of its statewide tested population. The guidance went further to describe options that were available to states that were close to implementing an assessment based on modified achievement standards. These options would allow the state to exercise additional flexibility (for the 2008-09 school year) in evaluating Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for the Students with Disabilities (SWD) subgroup.

As a result, Ohio submitted a proposal to the U.S. Department of Education requesting permission to utilize the Transition Flexibility Option. This option applies only to schools and districts that did not meet the AYP proficiency rate goal based solely on the IEP subgroup scores. Recently, Ohio received notification that its proposal was approved. Thus, Ohio will apply a mathematical adjustment to the AYP proficiency rate calculation (for LEAs that missed AYP only for the SWD subgroup) and will evaluate whether the SWD subgroup meets its adjusted AYP proficiency rate goal. This adjustment is being applied (without any additional requests by an individual LEA) to every LEA that fails to meet the AYP proficiency rate goal only for the SWD subgroup.   

No change in requirement for districts to produce 5-year forecast
We have received a number of questions on Am. Sub. HB 1 and are in the process of researching these questions to provide you answers. One of the questions is whether the requirement for districts to submit a 5-year forecast was eliminated. The statute governing the requirement of the 5-year forecast is in section 5705.391, which was not changed in HB 1. What was amended in HB 1 was section 3301.07, which requires the State Board to develop a standard for local boards to make financial information available to the public in a format understandable to the average citizen. HB 1 modifies this requirement so that these reports no longer need to show year to year comparisons for five years. These reports are not the 5-year forecasts that districts are required to submit. 

Another area where we have received a lot of questions is on the new provision in section 3313.642 that prohibits students eligible for free lunch from being charged fees for materials needed to participate in a course of instruction. We are working on a Q & A on this topic and will provide that to you in an upcoming EdConnection.

CDC issues new guidance for H1N1 influenza virus and related planning
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) conducted a webcast on Friday discussing newly issued guidance for school administrators and local health departments regarding the H1N1 influenza virus. During the webcast, presenters encouraged schools to continue working with their local health departments on response plans for H1N1 and to consider how they can potentially serve as sites for offering a vaccine that should be available in mid-October. As you know, school-age children are known to easily transmit flu viruses and the CDC believes the vaccine will be an important preventative measure.

Within the CDC’s online guidance are recommended actions to take for this school year based on what is known about the virus, as well as suggested strategies to use if the flu begins causing more severe illness. Along with prevention and surveillance recommendations, the CDC presents specific new guidelines for separating ill students and staff and for treatment of high-risk individuals. Also presented is a checklist for making local decisions, as well as a communication tool kit with questions and answers, fact sheets for parents and staff and sample tools to use in communicating H1N1 information with parents.

Based on the experience gained with the virus last spring, the guidance document states that the potential benefits of school closure are often outweighed by the negative consequences of disrupted school and work schedules. However, in certain circumstances and as transmission of the virus progresses, school dismissals may be warranted. The CDC advises school administrators to make any decisions about student dismissal in close consultation with their local health departments. If you do decide to close school due to H1N1, please report this decision by 9 a.m. the first day by clicking here for the Ohio Department of Health reporting system.

Please direct your health-related questions to the ODH toll-free information line at (866) 800-1404 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For ODE-related questions, contact Mary Lou Rush at (614) 466-2105, (877) 644-6338 or safe.schools@ode.state.oh.us.

For related links and information, click here.

District application now open for Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Interns or district sign-on bonus
ODE and the Ohio Master’s Network-Initiatives in Education (OMNIE) continue working to increase the number of qualified Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) in Ohio schools. The initiatives address the immediate and future availability of professionals to provide quality speech language services to Ohio’s special education children. The SLP intern graduate program immediately increases the number of qualified SLPs in Ohio schools and provides districts with four continuous years of service delivery.
Through this program, highly trained graduate students deliver speech services during a school-based internship, followed by district employment. A total of 64 SLP interns have been placed in school districts statewide over the past two years. Districts facing continued SLP shortages and/or anticipating future openings are encouraged to identify and recruit prospective candidates from their local regions.
Prospective students must submit preliminary applications to OMNIE by Jan.1, 2010. Administrators must submit or update a District Application for SLP Support to request intern participation or $12,000 OMNIE employment sign-on bonus. For details, click here or go to www.omnie.org/For School Administrators in the left-hand panel.Questions may be directed to Nada Allender, OMNIE Project Coordinator, at nada@ameritech.net or (330) 699-4019. 
Committee opportunities available
There are currently opportunities for you or those in your district to participate in the development of two exciting new initiatives at ODE.

Applications are being accepted for participation on a committee of educators to make recommendations to the Educator Standards Board on the framework for the Resident Educator Program, and a writing team to help develop a model evaluation framework, evaluation standards and a selection of evaluation instruments.  

• Resident Educator Program Development Committee
  The State Board of Education, Educator Standards Board, Ohio Department of Education and Ohio Board of Regents will begin developing the Ohio Resident Educator Program in fall 2009. This work will include engaging Ohio educators to participate in a state development committee. The Resident Educator Program Development Committee will provide recommendations to the Educator Standards Board.
  
  Please click here and search keyword: residency for details and to view/download the application to serve on the development committee.

• Teacher Evaluation Writing Team
  House Bill 1 requires the state to take the recently developed set of guidelines for building a performance assessment system to the next level, and identify appropriate model evaluation instruments that districts can use to assess teacher performance.
  
  ODE is assembling a writing team of Ohio education stakeholders who will help develop a model evaluation framework, evaluation standards and a selection of evaluation instruments. This group will meet in October, December, February, April and June. To view/download the application for writing team participation, Click here and search keywords: teacher evaluation.
  
  Applicants for either the Resident Educator Program Development Committee or the Teacher Evaluation Writing Team will complete the same application. Candidates applying for both roles should indicate first and second choice. Candidates cannot serve on both committees. Send the application to Sharon.flinders@ode.state.oh.us.

Physical Education Academic Content Standards training workshop to be held Oct. 16
The State Board of Education adopted standards for physical education at its June 2009 meeting. ODE will hold a free workshop on Friday, Oct. 16 to help educators learn how to incorporate the standards in their local curriculum. This session, which can accommodate up to 40 participants, will be held at Wright State University from 9 a.m. to noon.

Pre-registration is required to attend the session. Individuals must register through STARS using a SAFE Account. If you do not have a SAFE account, you can obtain one at https://safe.ode.state.oh.us/portal/. Registration will run from Monday, Sept. 14 through Wednesday, Oct. 14. For more information, please contact Lisa Lyle Henry at lisa.henry@ode.state.oh.us.

Note: You also may find this document online at http://education.ohio.gov by searching keywords: EdConnection. If you have questions, comments or suggestions about this weekly e-mail, please feel free to contact me at superintendent@ode.state.oh.us.

Aug. 3, 2009

Good Afternoon,

We understand that a few people had some trouble opening the link that was included in this morning’s e-mail regarding the HB1 summary.

The summary of educational components included in HB 1 is available by clicking here.

Again, as more information becomes available, we will pass it along to you.

Sincerely,

Note: You also may find this document online at http://education.ohio.gov by searching keywords: EdConnection. If you have questions, comments or suggestions about this weekly e-mail, please feel free to contact me at superintendent@ode.state.oh.us

Aug. 3, 2009

Good Morning,

It is hard to believe that July is over and August is upon us! I am sure you are into the full swing of preparing to open school in just a few short weeks. What happened to educators taking the summer off? I thought that might have been mentioned once in our careers as a benefit to these roles! Seriously, I know how busy the month of August is as last- minute decision are made about staffing, space, professional development, and welcoming new staff, returning staff, students, and their families. And – the football season kicks off as well. I know what you will be doing on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons!

I thought that the weeks following the passage of the state budget would offer some respite for us all; however, given our analysis of all of the work defined in HB 1, the enormity of the tasks are beginning to weigh heavily on ODE.

HB1 does call for much new work, as well as many changes to what is already in place. As promised in last week’s EdConnection, ODE has created a summary of education components included in HB 1, which is available by clicking here. This summary should help explain, in more detail than previously provided, the different aspects of HB 1 and the implications for schools. We tried to capture the major changes schools will notice in the coming years. While some items may have dates attached to them, there are several new requirements that do not have implementation dates defined by HB 1. Many of those dates will be part of an implementation process that has yet to be defined. Of course, we will continue to update you as any changes occur or additional details become available.

ODE and the State Board of Education are looking at the responsibilities that we have been given. We will be developing a processes and timelines in the coming months. As more details become available, I will be certain to pass them along.

Save the Date: Local Report Card release set
The 2008-2009 Local Report Card data will be released to the public Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009. The information should be available through the iLRC by 10 a.m.

As you may recall from last year’s release, state and district data were released to the media, under embargo, one day prior to the public release. This will not occur this year due to data-processing time lines as well as responding to the various needs districts have surrounding the release of data.

Last year, the report cards underwent a major facelift, and also included the value-added measure for the first time. Also, an additional way to meet the federal Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) requirement was made available through the Growth Model. This year, the report cards will look almost identical to last year’s. The only change that impacts the accountability calculations has to deal with the value-added measure. Beginning with this year’s report card, any district or school with an overall composite value-added score of “–“ (Below Expected Growth) for three consecutive years will have its rating reduced by one designation. There are some exceptions, however. A school or district whose rating is affected by their AYP status cannot have the rating adjusted by the value-added measure. Similarly, a school or district that is rated as Academic Emergency will not have its rating reduced one designation as a result of value-added.

Rehabilitation Rules
You may recall that Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3301-20-01 and adopt Rules 3301-20-03 and 3301-83-23 regarding standards of employment for licensed applicants and employees, non-licensed applicants and employees, and school bus and school van driver applicants and employees with certain criminal convictions have been going through the administrative rule process over the past few months.

Last Thursday, the rules appeared before the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR), and the rules are now ready to go forward with final filing. Assuming a final filing date of Aug. 17, the earliest date the rules will take effect is Aug. 27. I know many of you are working to make hiring decisions before the start of the school year, and I will keep you updated with the latest information regarding the effective date of these rules.

I hope that you are as excited and energized as I am to begin this next school year.  Please know I stand ready to support you, as does the ODE team. Let us know how we might be of assistance or to help you problem-solve through any of the situations you encounter daily.

My supportive thoughts are rushing to you from Columbus!

Sincerely,

Thought for you as you head into the craziness of August:
I came across an article in the Summer 2009 issue of the Converge journal that caught my eye: Dedication and the Inspirational Shower.  It is a very brief commentary by Bernard Percy that starts with the following paragraph:
“During my years of experience, as an educator, I grew to admire those who are truly dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students, parents, administrators, and teachers. As you read this column, think about the people who come to mind that you can label dedicated.” 

Mr. Percy goes on to explain the concept of an “inspirational shower”. While I won’t bore you with the analogy of a personal daily shower (i.e. feeling cleansed, etc.), I will push the analogy into our professional lives as he so eloquently does.  “…we all need to continually take our inspirational showers to help overcome the day-to-day hardships and realities we have to confront, and that drain our enthusiasm….who are the individuals who create your inspirational showers?”

Mr. Percy reminds me about the people I have been fortunate to have in my life who continue to help me feel professionally “ cleansed” – those colleagues and friends who keep me grounded and who continuously remind me how alive I felt when I first entered this profession. Find your inspirational showers and keep them close at hand.  Our work is complex and we have much heavy lifting to do. We all need our inspirational showers so that we get back that “squeaky-clean” feeling of optimism!

Here are some other items that may be of interest to you.

• August information sessions offered for Resident Educator Transition program

• Join ODE and U.S. DOE Officials for High School Innovation Conference

• Application eligibility for competitive ARRA funds outlined

August information sessions offered for Resident Educator Transition program
Registration is now open in STARS for three-hour information sessions on the Resident Educator Transition Program. Sessions will take place on Monday, Aug. 17, and Wednesday, Aug.19, for district, ESC and private and community school induction program leaders.

Individuals can attend either an 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. session at the Embassy Suites in Dublin. The event name in STARS is “Resident Educator Transition.” You must have a SAFE account to register. To sign into your SAFE account, click here. If you do not have a SAFE account, click on the “Sign Up” option on the left menu. If you need help obtaining a SAFE account, please e-mail: safe.admin@ode.state.us.oh. If you need help registering for events, contact STARS.SUPPORT@ode.state.oh.us. For more information on the Resident Educator Transition Program, click here and search keywords: Resident Educator.

Join ODE and USDOE officials for High School Innovation Conference
ODE is opening up registration for its conference Capitalizing on Federal Stimulus Funding to Advance High School Innovation in Ohio. With an unprecedented level of School Improvement and Title I funding available, there is a new opportunity for districts to make bold and innovative changes at the high school level. ODE already has begun urging districts to harness federal funds in more powerful ways. This conference is designed to show you how you can break down the silos that typically characterize federally funded work and pool resources in a way that significantly improves outcomes at the high school level. We are pleased to have Jo Anderson, Senior Advisor, and Zollie Stevenson, Director, Office of Student Achievement and School Accountability, present from the U.S. Department of Education.

School districts may register an individual or a team. For registration and more information regarding the event please visit www.regonline.com/FederalStimulus. When entering your school district on the registration page, please indicate “Other” if your district is not listed. You may also contact Sabrina Horton at (614) 456-6500 or hortons@kwfdn.org with any additional registration questions. 

The conference is presented in partnership with The KnowledgeWorks Foundation, Battelle, KidsOhio and the Ohio Grantmakers Forum. 

Conference Location and Date:
Thursday, Aug.6 from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. 
The Columbus Athenaeum
32 N. Fourth St.
Columbus, OH 43215

Application eligibility for competitive ARRA funds outlined
The following chart outlines a few of the different ARRA funds and which entities, the state or local education agencies, are eligible to apply for those funds. This information and much more is available on the ODE Stimulus Updates Web page.

Note: You also may find this document online at http://education.ohio.gov by searching keywords: EdConnection. If you have questions, comments or suggestions about this weekly e-mail, please feel free to contact me at superintendent@ode.state.oh.us.