YES school levy
YES I-1098
NO I-1107 |
We need to support our kids.When you look at state spending on education per personal income, Wash ranks 46th in the nation. (Source: Economic Opportunity Institute) Wash also ranks 46th in chance of college readiness. (Source: NCHEMS Information Center for Higher Education Policymaking and Analysis. State Board of Education) Nearly 80 percent of the future job market will require some form of post-high school training and education. (Source: Holzer, Harry & Robert Lerman(Feb 2009) "The Future of Middle-Skill Jobs." Brookings Institution; "Forgotten Middle-Skill Jobs," www.skills2compete.org) The Seattle Council PTSA endorses the school levy; urges a YES on I-1098 (limited income tax) and a NO on I-1107 (rollback of temporary tax on candy, soda, bottled water) SCPTSA Ballot issue handout
PTA voter resources
I-1098 presentation
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SCHOOL DISTRICT
LEVY |
This 3-year $48.2 million levy will offset some of the state cuts to education. The money will go into the operating fund. The school board has final say on how it will be spent, but the district has said it would use some funds to pay for new costs associated with the teachers contract as well as textbook replacement. Most of the money will be used to backfill for state cuts. (Exactly how, to be determined during this year's budget process. School board has final say.) SPS resources:Levy FAQLevy websiteSCPTSA resources:Levy highlightsLevy 1-2-3: A primer
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| GOVERNOR'S EDUCATION OMBUDSMAN OFFICE |
We listen. We inform. We help solve problems.www.governor.wa.gov/oeo/2009-2010 Annual Report: -OEO averaged 979 phone calls per month from families, students and educators, community professionals and the general public. -OEO intervened in 844 cases from 144 school districts (an increase of 79% from the previous year). -OEO served students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. -59% of students served were part of the Special Education program. -47% of students served were children of color. -The most common issues tackled by Ombudsmen were: Special Education, bullying, harassment, suspension, expulsion, and concerns about student academic progress. Missing Voices: What families say about family involvement in education. A report from the Governor's Office of the Education Ombudsman
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Wash State PTA
2-year priorities | |
WSPTA priority Issues:
1. Following up on Education Reform Efforts (HB 2261, HB 2776, SB 6696)
2. Math & Science Education
3. Literacy Instruction
4. Teacher 'Reduction in Force' (layoff) Policy - not just seniority
5. Fund Education First
6. Rational Approach to Teacher Compensation
WSPTA supported issues
7. School Breakfast and Lunch Programs
8. Physical Education and Health
Statements, rationales
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CONTEXT FOR BALLOT BOX
BACKGROUND ON AUDIT, CONTRACT; STATE CHANGES
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DISTRICT INFORMATION:
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Audit response
In May 2010 the Washington State Auditor's Office issued its annual financial audit - this one for the 2008-2009 school year. Since then, the school board's Audit and Finance Committee, the superintendent and the district's finance team have been working to respond to and correct audit findings.
Key elements of audit response
Audit response log (what's been addressed):
Audit report for 2008
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Teacher contract
In September, Seattle Public Schools and the Seattle Education Association agreed to a new three-year contract.
Highlights include:- Implement a new four-tier evaluation system (jointly developed by SEA and SPS);
- Expand the mentor program for new teachers;
- Add an hour of collaboration time for K-8 educators (no change to student schedule); increase planning time for all staff;
- Increase the number of consulting teachers, provide training stipends to support developing teachers;
- Add school-based career ladder positions (master teachers), so leaders in the schools can support their colleagues' professional growth
- Use student growth data to inform professional development and goal setting; use as trigger mechanism for closer evaluations; use as a factor in granting master teacher status
More highlights
SPS labor relations website
SEA website
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MAP testing
The district just finished rolling out Measurements of Academic Progress. This benchmark assessment tells educators where students are academically, and how they are progressing during the year. The goal? To better meet the individual learning needs of each student.
MAP replaces more than 15 different benchmark assessments that were in use in Seattle Public Schools; 131 districts in Washington use this assessment tool, including neighboring districts Mercer Island and Highline. Thousands use it nationally.
Grant money has picked up much of the costs of implementing MAP, including the hiring of four data coaches to train school-site staff.
Fall results will be shared during parent-teacher conferences. For secondary schools that don't hold conferences, results will be mailed home. They will also be posted on the Source.
MAP: Frequently asked questions
Information from test maker
MAP web page:
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Coffee chats with the superintendent
Monday, Oct. 25, 6-7 p.m.
West Seattle Elementary, 6760 34th Ave. SW, 98126
Languages: English, Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese
Monday, Nov. 1, 6-7 p.m.
Mercer Middle School, 1600 S. Columbian Way, 98108
Languages: English, Chinese, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese
Tuesday, Nov. 2, 8:10-9:10 a.m.
North Beach Elementary, 9018 24th Ave. NW, 98117
Language: English
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A Letter from Dr. Goodloe-Johnson (Levy information)
2011/2012 Budget Update #1 (From finance officer Don Kennedy)
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STATE-LEVEL CHANGES:
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New graduation requirements - Class of 2016
The Washington State Board of Education provisionally adopted Career and College Ready Standards, also referred to as Core 24. The new system views high school graduation as a beginning and identifies core classes that graduates need to progress to a technical program, or to either a 2- or 4-year college program.
The Washington State Legislature must approve. Funding must be found.
Why the change? Washington ranks 46th in the nation in college readiness.
BACKGROUND: Currently, state law mandates minimum graduation requirements. Individual districts can require more (but they don't get additional state funding to cover extra costs). The state minimum is 19 credits; Seattle requires 20; most of our state's 290-plus districts require at least 22. Only 9 districts -- including Seattle -- require 20 or fewer credits.
(Support for Core 24 was a priority issue for Wash State PTA the last 2 years and was a key part of SCPTSA advocacy around basic ed finance reform bill, HB 2261)
Overview pdf
Webinar, powerpoint posted online
Feedback needed. Survey
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Common Core Standards - state tour
Find out what these standards are; learn about a parallel initiative; give input; learn what kind of process would lead to successful implementation. The state agreed to consider these nationally shared standards last year; now they are being analyzed by the state superintendent's office (OSPI) and will be presented for consideration to the state legislature in January.
- Monday, Oct. 25, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Shoreline Conference Center, Mt. Rainier Room
18560 1st Ave NE Shoreline WA 98155
Public forum info
Online materials
Take the survey
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES
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Seattle Public Library: www.spl.org
Check out teen services- Includes calendar of events, online homework help, resources for schools and teachers, more.
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League of Education Voters
Voices from the Education Revolution- What Works: Changing Our Schools
Monday. Oct. 25, 6 p.m.
MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry),
2700 24th Ave. E
- Richard Barth, CEO - KIPP Foundation
Timothy Daly, President - The New Teacher Project
Steve Barr, Founder & Emeritus Chair - Green Dot Public Schools
Moderated by Adam Porsch - Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
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Parenting the Positive Discipline Way IN SPANISH- Nov. 4-6 (Nov. 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Nov. 5-6 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.)
- Concord International School in West Seattle
- To register: www.positivedisciple.org
Ensenando a la manera de Disciplina Positiva
- Dias: jueves, Noviembre 4, 2010 6:30PM - 8:30PM, viernes y sabado Noviembre 5 y 6, 2010, 8:30AM - 4:30 PM
- Facilitadora: Jody McVittie, CPDLT, Andres Perez, PDTC
- Ubicaci�n: Concord International School in West Seattle
- Flier:
- Inscripci�n:
Inscripci�n anticipada =- $335 (USD)
Inscripci�n regular - $370 (USD) - Especificaciones:
Precio incluye el curr�culo completo, libro y el manual para el entrenador
Para mayor informacion puede llamar a: Comuniquese con Jody McVittie @ 206.782.1595 or jody@encouragingsolutions.net
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NELA: Center for Student Success
www.nela.net/Centers/Pages/CenterHome.aspx
College planning - webcasts- Paying for college;
Nov. 3 and 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m. - Understanding and Preparing to file the free application for federal student aid
Dec, 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 15 and Dec. 20, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
To register: email onlinecenter@nela.net
More info: www.centerforstudentsuccess.org or call 206.461.5366 or 1-866.635.2669
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PTA/PTSA BUSINESS
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Nov. 15 - Due date for IRS tax returns
990N, 990EZ, or 990
As of the 2010 tax year, for returns filed in 2011 or later:
- PTAs with an annual gross income of more than $50,000 (formerly $25,000) must file Form 990 and Schedule A.
- If a PTA's gross receipts are less than $200,000 and total assets are less than $500,000, the PTA may file Form 990-EZ instead of Form 990.
- If gross receipts are $50,000 or less, the PTA must electronically submit Form 990-N, also known as the e-Postcard.
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PTA Reflections deadlinePTA's Reflections Program is designed to enhance a quality arts education by providing an opportunity for students to explore their artistic talents and receive positive recognition for their efforts. Students first compete at the city level, through the Seattle Council PTSA. Seattle winners advance to the state PTA competition; Washington winners advance to the national competition. Last year, several Seattle winners took state honors, and one Nathan Hale high-schooler placed in nationals.
More info:
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PTA Great Idea Bank - A social network for parents
www.ptagreatideabank.org/
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Thank you for your ongoing support. Remember to renew your membership with your local PTA or PTSA. Your dues support these bulletins and all of our communications.
Sincerely,
Ramona Hattendorf
Seattle Council PTSA president
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