April 2010 Archives
From the State Supt. desk:
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today announced a new milestone in California's Free Digital Textbook Initiative with the successful completion of the second phase review of digital textbooks by the California Learning Resources Network (CLRN), yielding 10 new digital resources.
"I applaud the completion of the second phase of this initiative," said O'Connell. "In these dire economic times, the expansion of standards-aligned digital textbooks provides more free resources to schools."
Continue reading Second Phase of Digital Textbook Initiative.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell announced today that California would continue its efforts to improve student achievement and will seek federal funding through Phase 2 of the Race to the Top competition to support this work.
"California is still in the Race to the Top," O'Connell said. "California remains focused on finding ways to more effectively prepare all students for success in college and careers. In Phase 2 of the Race to the Top competition, we will work with key districts and their communities that are committed to implement systemic changes that produce results for students locally, and use their success and focus on continuous improvement to inform our statewide plan. Through the Race to the Top we will foster access to effective teachers for all students, the use of data to support instruction, adoption of common core state standards, and the development of aligned assessments.
"At stake is as much as $700 million in federal funds to propel these key education reforms. It will take an intensive and creative effort to meet the time frame before us. This is an important opportunity to improve our ability to close the achievement gap and prepare all students for success in the competitive global economy. In that spirit and with the assurances of U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan that our application would receive due consideration, we will try again."
Applications for the second round of Race to the Top funding are due June 1, 2010.
Mt. San Antonio College journalism students outdid themselves again by winning a record 36 awards recently at the Journalism Association of Community Colleges state conference in Los Angeles.
"Our students have walked away with the most awards ever won by Mt. SAC at the state level, " said Toni Albertson, Mt. SAC journalism professor and advisor for the student newspaper, The Mountaineer.
"Our students have walked away with the most awards ever won by Mt. SAC at the state level, " said Toni Albertson, Mt. SAC journalism professor and advisor for the student newspaper, The Mountaineer.
Continue reading Mt. SAC journalism students win 36 awards at JACC convention.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the following appointments in Early Childhood Education and Care, California State University Board of Trustees and Health Professions Education Foundation Board of Trustees
Zulmara Cline, Ph.D., 50, of Long Beach, has been appointed to the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care. She has served as Associate Director for the California State University Chancellor's Office since 2006. Previously, Cline was a professor at California State University San Marcos from 2000 to 2006 and a teacher and administrator for the Lompoc Unified School District from 1984 to 2000. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Cline is a Democrat.
Zulmara Cline, Ph.D., 50, of Long Beach, has been appointed to the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care. She has served as Associate Director for the California State University Chancellor's Office since 2006. Previously, Cline was a professor at California State University San Marcos from 2000 to 2006 and a teacher and administrator for the Lompoc Unified School District from 1984 to 2000. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Cline is a Democrat.
Continue reading Gov. Schwarzenegger announces appointments in education.
The 12th annual If I Had A Wish Art and Writing Contest will honor 114 West End special education students at its event on May 4.
The students will receive first, second and third place awards in the event, sponsored by
the West End Special Education Local Plan Area and its Community Advisory Committee. The event will be held at Ruth Musser Middle School, 10789 Terra Vista Parkway in Rancho Cucamonga.
The students will receive first, second and third place awards in the event, sponsored by
the West End Special Education Local Plan Area and its Community Advisory Committee. The event will be held at Ruth Musser Middle School, 10789 Terra Vista Parkway in Rancho Cucamonga.
Continue reading Students in West End SELPA to receive honors.
From State Supt's desk:
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today announced that the State Allocation Board (SAB) awarded $961 million to 199 schools for the construction and modernization of school facilities. The list of schools is attached.
"Our student population continues to grow while our aging classrooms continue to fall into disrepair," said O'Connell. "Thanks to voters who approved bond measures, students will soon have safer and more modern facilities in which to learn. Also, the approval by the State Allocation Board today will help stimulate our embattled economy by creating construction jobs throughout California. This is a win-win situation for the state."
Continue reading $961M approved for school construction and modernization.
The 23rd annual Multilingual Recognition Program, which honors educators and community volunteers for their outstanding contributions to the achievement of linguistically diverse students, will be held on April 30 at the Ontario Airport Marriott.
In addition, students also will be recognized for their academic achievements.
The community volunteers, paraprofessionals, resource support staff, parents, students, teachers, and administrators will be honored for their work from San Bernardino County school districts. County Superintendent Gary Thomas will give the welcome address and will announce the Countywide Award recipient.
The community volunteers, paraprofessionals, resource support staff, parents, students, teachers, and administrators will be honored for their work from San Bernardino County school districts. County Superintendent Gary Thomas will give the welcome address and will announce the Countywide Award recipient.
Continue reading Multilingual Recognition Program on April 30 on Ontario.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today named six exemplary school employees as California's 2010 Classified School Employees of the Year.
"I am proud to announce the selection of six remarkable people who provide enormous support and expertise that is key to their schools' work to improve student achievement and close the achievement gap," said O'Connell. "They represent the best of California's dedicated school support community that is integral to school site operations and the success of our students."
"I am proud to announce the selection of six remarkable people who provide enormous support and expertise that is key to their schools' work to improve student achievement and close the achievement gap," said O'Connell. "They represent the best of California's dedicated school support community that is integral to school site operations and the success of our students."
Continue reading California's 2010 Classified School Employees of the Year.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today congratulated Arcadia High School in the Los Angeles County city of Arcadia for winning the 23rd We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution National Finals yesterday in Washington, D.C.
"I am so proud that California students are challenging themselves in some of the nation's most difficult academic contests and winning," said O'Connell. "Congratulations to the student team from Arcadia High School, their parents and teachers, and administrators at the Arcadia Unified School District for their hard work and dedication to helping these children succeed and understanding the importance of civics education."
Continue reading Arcadia High School receives We The People award.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today announced the Los Angeles Unified School District's (LAUSD) El Camino Real High School took home its record-setting sixth victory in the United States Academic Decathlon over the weekend in Omaha, Nebraska.
"This victory is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the decathlon students who matched wits with some of the smartest high school students in the nation - and they won," said O'Connell. "Congratulations to the students, and their parents, coaches, teachers, and the administrators at El Camino Real High School who supported their efforts."
Continue reading El Camino Real High School takes home AcaDec victory.
The High Desert Gangs and Drugs Task Force will hold a public meeting on April 28 at the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools' Desert-Mountain Special Education Local Plan Area office.
The meeting will feature presentations on the We Tip Hotline by Daniel Mayfield, CEO of the We Tip Hotline, as well as a presentation on the Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation of Children by Tamara Ross of the county's District Attorney office.
The meeting will feature presentations on the We Tip Hotline by Daniel Mayfield, CEO of the We Tip Hotline, as well as a presentation on the Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation of Children by Tamara Ross of the county's District Attorney office.
Continue reading High Desert Gangs, Drugs Task Force meeting .
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - Alta Loma School District and Superintendent Rebecca Lawrence have agreed to go their separate ways after less than two years.
School district officials announced Lawrence's resignation after extensive discussions about the needs of the district.
Officials have not disclosed additional details about Lawrence's departure.
According to a letter sent to district staff members, "The board and superintendent have had extensive discussions regarding the leadership needs of the district and have come to a mutual agreement that a change would be in the best interest of both parties."
School district officials announced Lawrence's resignation after extensive discussions about the needs of the district.
Officials have not disclosed additional details about Lawrence's departure.
According to a letter sent to district staff members, "The board and superintendent have had extensive discussions regarding the leadership needs of the district and have come to a mutual agreement that a change would be in the best interest of both parties."
Continue reading ALSD leader leaves quietly .
Grace Miller Elementary School is in the sixth year of implementing the "Peace Builders Program," a program designed to create an environment of peace and belonging.
Every week during the Friday Spirit Assembly, and every day in many classrooms, students recite the following pledge:
"I am a Peace Builder. I pledge:
To praise people,
To give up put-downs,
To seek wise people,
To notice and speak up about hurts I have caused,
To right wrongs,
To help others.
I will build peace at home, at school, and in my community each day."
Continue reading Students promote peace.
Author: Debbie Pfeiffer Trunnell, Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO - Aquinas High School, a long-existing Catholic school, has fallen into debt but will remain open, officials said Tuesday.
The reaction came after a posting titled: "Project: Save Aquinas High School" appeared on Facebook describing the school's money problems and asking former students and others to help save it.
"Everyone is having financial problems these days and we are just like everybody else," said Assistant Principal Chris Barrows. "But we are not closing."
John Andrews, spokesman for the Diocese of San Bernardino, which oversees the Catholic school, said Aquinas High is about $472,000 in debt.
The reaction came after a posting titled: "Project: Save Aquinas High School" appeared on Facebook describing the school's money problems and asking former students and others to help save it.
"Everyone is having financial problems these days and we are just like everybody else," said Assistant Principal Chris Barrows. "But we are not closing."
John Andrews, spokesman for the Diocese of San Bernardino, which oversees the Catholic school, said Aquinas High is about $472,000 in debt.
Continue reading Aquinas High School facing debt .
Author: Maritza Velazquez Staff Writer
POMONA - Milka Duno is an engineer first and race car driver second.
The Miami resident and native of Venenzuela took up racing in 1992, using her knowledge and four engineering degrees as an advantage over the competition.
Duno shared her motivation and inspiration with Cal Poly Pomona engineering students Wednesday, with a message supporting education and its application to real-life experiences.
"To every place that I visit, I just want to give a positive message to a new generation," Duno said. "They're going to be the future and education is the most powerful tool."
The Miami resident and native of Venenzuela took up racing in 1992, using her knowledge and four engineering degrees as an advantage over the competition.
Duno shared her motivation and inspiration with Cal Poly Pomona engineering students Wednesday, with a message supporting education and its application to real-life experiences.
"To every place that I visit, I just want to give a positive message to a new generation," Duno said. "They're going to be the future and education is the most powerful tool."
Author: Debbie Pfeiffer Trunnell, Staff Writer
After several community meetings and much debate, San Bernardino City Unified officials presented options for turning around 11 struggling schools at Tuesday evening's board meeting.
Among the interventions suggested were turning five of the schools into district-sponsored charters and replacing the principals at the six others. All the schools were recently ranked in the bottom 5 percent in the state.
"The beauty of this is by accepting the models we can get funding from the federal government and redefine the extent to which we service our communities," said Superintendent Arturo Delgado at the meeting attended by many principals and teachers.
Among the interventions suggested were turning five of the schools into district-sponsored charters and replacing the principals at the six others. All the schools were recently ranked in the bottom 5 percent in the state.
"The beauty of this is by accepting the models we can get funding from the federal government and redefine the extent to which we service our communities," said Superintendent Arturo Delgado at the meeting attended by many principals and teachers.
Continue reading District offers specifics to fix schools .
Author: Debbie Pfeiffer Trunnell, Staff Writer
Francisco Barboza is only 13, but he has already started thinking about going to college.
The Colton Middle School student got some help with his planning on Monday when a big bus equipped with laptops, banners and maps of all the Cal State University campuses pulled up in front of his school.
Francisco and his peers are among hundreds statewide who are getting the opportunity this month to visit the 40-foot bus, wrapped with the "Road to College: Get on Board" theme.
"Getting the idea of going to college in their heads early gives them a goal to shoot for," said Jocelyn Kamura, a Cal State San Bernardino student ambassador. "It also allows me to share my experiences with kids who might not have anyone else to learn from."
The Colton Middle School student got some help with his planning on Monday when a big bus equipped with laptops, banners and maps of all the Cal State University campuses pulled up in front of his school.
Francisco and his peers are among hundreds statewide who are getting the opportunity this month to visit the 40-foot bus, wrapped with the "Road to College: Get on Board" theme.
"Getting the idea of going to college in their heads early gives them a goal to shoot for," said Jocelyn Kamura, a Cal State San Bernardino student ambassador. "It also allows me to share my experiences with kids who might not have anyone else to learn from."
Continue reading Colton, Highland students receive university primer .
UPLAND - Although the sun couldn't be seen much Tuesday, its power was still strong enough to demonstrate the use of solar power to Upland High School students.
Tuesday's solar display was part of Earth Week at the school.
"Our hope is to try to get students to become a little bit more conscious and environmentally sensitive," said Dave Ficke, Upland High science teacher and organizer of the event. "By providing these events, I think that if a few start taking it to heart we win."
Hybrid vehicles will be on display in the quad on Friday to show students and visiting parents the kind of fuel-efficient cars that are available.
Tuesday's solar display was part of Earth Week at the school.
"Our hope is to try to get students to become a little bit more conscious and environmentally sensitive," said Dave Ficke, Upland High science teacher and organizer of the event. "By providing these events, I think that if a few start taking it to heart we win."
Hybrid vehicles will be on display in the quad on Friday to show students and visiting parents the kind of fuel-efficient cars that are available.
Continue reading Upland High School spotlights solar .
Author: Debbie Pfeiffer Trunnell, Staff Writer
Cal State San Bernardino education student Jennifer Kinser spent much of last year debating whether or not she should continue on her path toward becoming a teacher.
She is not alone.
Students in teacher-preparation programs and those considering entering the field are having second thoughts as deep cuts to the state's education budget force school districts statewide to lay off tens of thousands of teachers.
Ultimately, professors in the education field and state officials fear a teacher shortage down the road.
"Even though times are tough, people are still passionate about wanting to teach kids," said Sue Spitzer, director of the multiple-subject credential program at Cal State San Bernardino. "Our biggest concern is, will they walk away from the profession and not come back because they hear about layoffs."
She is not alone.
Students in teacher-preparation programs and those considering entering the field are having second thoughts as deep cuts to the state's education budget force school districts statewide to lay off tens of thousands of teachers.
Ultimately, professors in the education field and state officials fear a teacher shortage down the road.
"Even though times are tough, people are still passionate about wanting to teach kids," said Sue Spitzer, director of the multiple-subject credential program at Cal State San Bernardino. "Our biggest concern is, will they walk away from the profession and not come back because they hear about layoffs."
Continue reading Teacher shortage looms .
Author: Debbie Pfeiffer Trunnell, Staff Writer
When Wilson Elementary School Principal Nelson Togerson came on board three years ago, he inherited a school with low test scores and students he knew could do better.
He immediately focused on proven interventions to turn the school around.
As a result, Wilson's Academic Performance Index rating climbed a whopping 78 points from the 2006-07 school year to the 2008-09 school year.
Still, the school was recently designated as one of the lowest-performing schools in the state, leaving the principal and staff unsure of what comes next.
"The state created this formula for low-performing schools for the purposes of Race to the Top, looking at five years of API, instead of just looking at the last three years of improvement," Togerson said. "So we were identified for corrective action."
He immediately focused on proven interventions to turn the school around.
As a result, Wilson's Academic Performance Index rating climbed a whopping 78 points from the 2006-07 school year to the 2008-09 school year.
Still, the school was recently designated as one of the lowest-performing schools in the state, leaving the principal and staff unsure of what comes next.
"The state created this formula for low-performing schools for the purposes of Race to the Top, looking at five years of API, instead of just looking at the last three years of improvement," Togerson said. "So we were identified for corrective action."
Continue reading Improvements don't keep Wilson Elementary School off list .
Author: Debbie Pfeiffer Trunnell, Staff Writer
Every Friday, dozens of San Bernardino City Unified School District students go home with backpacks filled to the brim with bread, crackers, fruit and canned goods.
The children are served by a new program, Kidz Fuel-Snack Pack Program, designed to feed children in the district during the weekends when they're not in school for free or reduced- priced school meals.
"If a child is hungry they won't be learning at school," said Marcelino "Mars" Serna, family involvement officer at the district's Family Resource Center. "So this gives parents, kids and teachers an additional boost."
The children are served by a new program, Kidz Fuel-Snack Pack Program, designed to feed children in the district during the weekends when they're not in school for free or reduced- priced school meals.
"If a child is hungry they won't be learning at school," said Marcelino "Mars" Serna, family involvement officer at the district's Family Resource Center. "So this gives parents, kids and teachers an additional boost."
Continue reading Kids take their food home .
Author: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
CHINO - After finally attaining accreditation for its International Baccalaureate program in recent weeks, Don Lugo High School is in the position of possibly losing the program due to a lack of funding.
But officials and parents at the school aren't taking chances.
Don Lugo Principal Preston Carr and a group of parents are gearing up to keep funding for the program in place despite the potential discontinuation of funds due to recent budget cuts stemming from the state's fiscal crisis.
But officials and parents at the school aren't taking chances.
Don Lugo Principal Preston Carr and a group of parents are gearing up to keep funding for the program in place despite the potential discontinuation of funds due to recent budget cuts stemming from the state's fiscal crisis.
Continue reading Funds sought for Don Lugo's IB program .
Author: Maritza Velazquez , Staff Writer
POMONA - Many of the students at Emerson Middle School will be the first in their families to pursue a college degree.
The sixth-, seventh, and eighth-graders got a little more encouragement Friday as the Cal State University system's "Road to College" tour made a stop on campus.
It also visited Pomona Unified's Fremont Middle School in the afternoon.
"We want to have the students think early about college preparation and understand that they have to have good grades in everything that they do," said Carolina C. Cardenas, CSU Chancellor's Office associate director of academic outreach and early assessment.
The sixth-, seventh, and eighth-graders got a little more encouragement Friday as the Cal State University system's "Road to College" tour made a stop on campus.
It also visited Pomona Unified's Fremont Middle School in the afternoon.
"We want to have the students think early about college preparation and understand that they have to have good grades in everything that they do," said Carolina C. Cardenas, CSU Chancellor's Office associate director of academic outreach and early assessment.
Continue reading Pomona students take bus to their educational futures .
MONTCLAIR - Getting to know the precious value of water was an eye-opening experience for a group of Montclair High School students.
After months of construction, students created an environmental model that made its debut at an annual Earth Day event on Friday at the Chino Basin Water Conservation District.
"Before, I didn't know how much buildings, cars and factories cause so much damage," said Evelyn Carroll, Montclair High senior. "Now that I know it really makes me understand how important water conservation is."
After months of construction, students created an environmental model that made its debut at an annual Earth Day event on Friday at the Chino Basin Water Conservation District.
"Before, I didn't know how much buildings, cars and factories cause so much damage," said Evelyn Carroll, Montclair High senior. "Now that I know it really makes me understand how important water conservation is."
Continue reading Eye-opening experience for Montclair High students .
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - Central School District board members have approved the elimination of 18 classified employees due to a lack of funds.
"All these actions are drastic, ..." Superintendent Shari Nagel said. "We didn't create this problem, yet we have have to deal with the problem, and it is not palatable."
Like many districts, Central is facing millions of dollars in cuts - $6 million to be exact - and is hoping to stay afloat by implementing cost reductions over the next three years.
"All these actions are drastic, ..." Superintendent Shari Nagel said. "We didn't create this problem, yet we have have to deal with the problem, and it is not palatable."
Like many districts, Central is facing millions of dollars in cuts - $6 million to be exact - and is hoping to stay afloat by implementing cost reductions over the next three years.
Continue reading School district reduces staff but remains hopeful for state funding.
Author: Debbie Pfeiffer Trunnell, Staff Writer
As early as kindergarten, California teachers spend as much as 40 minutes to an hour a day doing assessments of their small charges in preparation for the years of testing to come.
By second grade, much of the school year is devoted to readying students for a whole week of testing in English-language arts and math, and the momentum only builds through 11th grade.
The focus on reaching the high standards of the No Child Left Behind Act means educators spend hours every day sharing test-taking skills with students and teaching math and English, with only minutes left in the day to teach other subjects.
By second grade, much of the school year is devoted to readying students for a whole week of testing in English-language arts and math, and the momentum only builds through 11th grade.
The focus on reaching the high standards of the No Child Left Behind Act means educators spend hours every day sharing test-taking skills with students and teaching math and English, with only minutes left in the day to teach other subjects.
Continue reading Study: Most teachers pan No Child Left Behind .
Author: James Rufus Koren , Staff Writer
Candidates for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools are raising less money overall than candidates for county supervisor or district attorney, but both major candidates have received sizeable donations from those who have done or might want to do business with the county school system.
County Superintendent Gary Thomas, who was appointed to fill the remainder of the term of former superintendent Herbert Fischer, and San Bernardino City Unified School District Superintendent Arturo Delgado, have each received tens of thousands of dollars in contributions from construction companies, architectural firms and consultants that work with schools.
County Superintendent Gary Thomas, who was appointed to fill the remainder of the term of former superintendent Herbert Fischer, and San Bernardino City Unified School District Superintendent Arturo Delgado, have each received tens of thousands of dollars in contributions from construction companies, architectural firms and consultants that work with schools.
Continue reading County superintendent candidates jockey for campaign funds .
Author: Wes Woods II, Staff Writer
CLAREMONT - Claremont Faculty Association bargaining chairman Joe Tonan contends the union has a plan to address Claremont Unified's budget woes - and it doesn't include furloughs or layoff notices.
The school district should dip into its reserves, seek community donations or even put a parcel tax on the ballot, Tonan said.
"Furloughs to us mean shortening the school year for students," he said. "We see no reason to shorten the school year for students. And we see no reason for increasing class sizes."
The school district should dip into its reserves, seek community donations or even put a parcel tax on the ballot, Tonan said.
"Furloughs to us mean shortening the school year for students," he said. "We see no reason to shorten the school year for students. And we see no reason for increasing class sizes."
Continue reading Claremont teachers seek means to avoid furloughs, layoffs .
ONTARIO - Frustration was evident on the faces of some parents during a recent Ontario- Montclair School District workshop on the flexibility of the district's finances.
Parent and Ontario resident Pat Cappell shared his concerns about the money being spent to provide special programs and breakfast and lunch to students.
"I expect the schools to educate my child, I don't expect them to clothe, feed or take care of them ..." she said. "And if they are, then I feel like I should be reimbursing them for it."
Parent and Ontario resident Pat Cappell shared his concerns about the money being spent to provide special programs and breakfast and lunch to students.
"I expect the schools to educate my child, I don't expect them to clothe, feed or take care of them ..." she said. "And if they are, then I feel like I should be reimbursing them for it."
Continue reading OMSD's budget woes worry parents .
Author: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
CHINO - Officials working to open a new charter school in the Chino Valley next fall are now saying the school district's final location offer - to rent out their closed El Rancho Elementary School - is a fair one.
The shuttered El Rancho Elementary remains a top consideration after Chino Valley Unified officials agreed to concede additional space and funding to Oxford Preparatory Academy, should academy officials decide to accept the offer.
The shuttered El Rancho Elementary remains a top consideration after Chino Valley Unified officials agreed to concede additional space and funding to Oxford Preparatory Academy, should academy officials decide to accept the offer.
Continue reading Charter school officials call district offer fair .
MONTCLAIR - Wind turbines, mini volts, fossils and electrostatic magnets are just a few of Montclair High School's Science Olympiad clubs' daily vocabulary.
The group's knowledge of science, and vast enthusiasm for the subject, will have them going head-to-head with other teams today at the annual Southern California Science Olympiad competitions in Long Beach.
"I love science," said Leslie Okinaka, Montclair Olympiad competitor. "It's my thing. So a competition about it is even better."
The group's knowledge of science, and vast enthusiasm for the subject, will have them going head-to-head with other teams today at the annual Southern California Science Olympiad competitions in Long Beach.
"I love science," said Leslie Okinaka, Montclair Olympiad competitor. "It's my thing. So a competition about it is even better."
Montclair High School seniors Leslie Okinaka, left, and Shaina Greensweight watch as their wind powered pin wheel turbine spins Tuesday during their physics lab. Students from the class will compete in this weekend's state Science Olympiad. Photo by Will Lester.
Author: James Rufus Koren Staff Writer
Teachers unions' and school districts' lack of interest in President Barack Obama's education reform agenda is largely to blame for California missing out on hundreds of millions of federal grants, the federal Department of Education reported this week.
California applied for the federal grants in January, but the state was not selected as one of the finalists in the grant competition. The biggest single factor hurting the state's score was what application reviewers called a lack of buy-in by school districts and local teachers unions.
"Too many doubts are raised by only 46.5 percent of (school districts) signing" up for the program, wrote one of five reviewers who scored California's application.
State Sen. Bob Huff, R-Walnut, who serves a vice chairman of the Senate education committee, said the problem largely boils down to a lack of cooperation from unions, which have protested some of the Race to the Top requirements.
California applied for the federal grants in January, but the state was not selected as one of the finalists in the grant competition. The biggest single factor hurting the state's score was what application reviewers called a lack of buy-in by school districts and local teachers unions.
"Too many doubts are raised by only 46.5 percent of (school districts) signing" up for the program, wrote one of five reviewers who scored California's application.
State Sen. Bob Huff, R-Walnut, who serves a vice chairman of the Senate education committee, said the problem largely boils down to a lack of cooperation from unions, which have protested some of the Race to the Top requirements.
Continue reading Teacher unions, school districts hold up federal grants .
It was a sobering two days for Montclair High students last week as they experienced the presentation "Every 15 Minutes."
The program is designed to reach students' cognitive and emotional levels of awareness about the dangers associated with driving while under the influence of alcohol. The program is held purposely just before prom to have the utmost effect on the students.
"This showed us a lot of graphic stuff that really relayed that everyone is in danger and you always have to be cautious," said Nataly Macedo, a Montclair junior.
The program is designed to reach students' cognitive and emotional levels of awareness about the dangers associated with driving while under the influence of alcohol. The program is held purposely just before prom to have the utmost effect on the students.
"This showed us a lot of graphic stuff that really relayed that everyone is in danger and you always have to be cautious," said Nataly Macedo, a Montclair junior.
Photos by Jennifer Maher
Continue reading 'Every 15 Minutes' program held in Montclair .
Author: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
CHINO - The Chino Valley Unified associate superintendent of human resources has been offered the opportunity to lead the largest school district in Montana.
The Billings School District board on Monday voted 8-0, with one abstention, to begin contract negotiations with Keith Beeman to be its superintendent of schools.
Beeman has not indicated whether he would accept the offer. He was named one of six finalists in February.
The Billings School District board on Monday voted 8-0, with one abstention, to begin contract negotiations with Keith Beeman to be its superintendent of schools.
Beeman has not indicated whether he would accept the offer. He was named one of six finalists in February.
Continue reading Chino Valley schools HR chief offered new job .
Author: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
About 50 percent of expulsions have been drug-related, up from 37 percent of drug-related expulsions in 2007-08 and 18 percent in 2006-07, according to statistics.
In response to the increasing drug use, Chino Valley Unified officials are embarking on a new campaign to help families deal with the problem.
"One of the results of the bad economic times in our communities is a proliferation of drug usage," said Superintendent Wayne Joseph in a recent message to parents.
Continue reading School district takes action in campaign against drugs .
In the midst of California's budget crisis, a number of Inland Valley school districts have hoisted red flags, expressing uncertainty about their financial futures to county and state education officials.
So far this school year, five Inland Valley school districts - Alta Loma, Central, Chino Valley Unified, Etiwanda and Pomona Unified - have submitted interim financial reports that included a "qualified" certification. The notation indicates that the district might not be able to balance its budgets in the current or next two fiscal years.
"The primary reasons why I recommended the district submit a 'qualified' report is because I can't stand up in front of the board and the community and say I know what our cash balance is going to be in three years," said Jim Ashton, the assistant superintendent of administrative services for Alta Loma School District
So far this school year, five Inland Valley school districts - Alta Loma, Central, Chino Valley Unified, Etiwanda and Pomona Unified - have submitted interim financial reports that included a "qualified" certification. The notation indicates that the district might not be able to balance its budgets in the current or next two fiscal years.
"The primary reasons why I recommended the district submit a 'qualified' report is because I can't stand up in front of the board and the community and say I know what our cash balance is going to be in three years," said Jim Ashton, the assistant superintendent of administrative services for Alta Loma School District
Continue reading Districts low on cash .
The San Bernardino County Board of Education has denied a petition to open a charter school in Ontario.
Life Empowerment International Charter Academy did not provide a reasonably sound educational plan that adequately addressed student needs, according to the board.
This the second time that Life Changing Ministries pastor David Horn has had his petition to open a charter school denied. The Ontario-Montclair School District board also did so in December.
The state Education Code allows a charter school applicant, when turned down by a school district, to ask for sponsorship by a county superintendent of schools' office or the state Department of Education.
Continue reading Charter school petition denied, again.
Author: Debbie Pfeiffer Trunnell, Staff Writer
Long before the state released a list of the lowest performing schools in the state, more than half of San Bernardino district schools were failing under state standards year after year.
Thirty seven of the 67 schools are in the fifth year of program improvement, meaning their students failed to make adequate progress on standardized tests for at least six consecutive years.
Such schools are to receive focused attention from the state and district and could be taken over by the state if no improvement is seen.
Thirty seven of the 67 schools are in the fifth year of program improvement, meaning their students failed to make adequate progress on standardized tests for at least six consecutive years.
Such schools are to receive focused attention from the state and district and could be taken over by the state if no improvement is seen.
Continue reading SB schools still in control .
Author: Debbie Pfeiffer Trunnell, Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO - Few were surprised when Davidson Elementary School landed on a list of the state's worst five percent of public campuses last month.
Since being named a California Distinguished School in the late 1990s, Davidson's test scores have been among the poorest in the San Bernardino city school system, which had more failing schools than every district in the state except Los Angeles.
For more than a decade, district and schools officials have thrown every potential solution they could muster at Davidson, from extra teaching aides and individualized attention, to new technology and data-tracking methods.
Since being named a California Distinguished School in the late 1990s, Davidson's test scores have been among the poorest in the San Bernardino city school system, which had more failing schools than every district in the state except Los Angeles.
For more than a decade, district and schools officials have thrown every potential solution they could muster at Davidson, from extra teaching aides and individualized attention, to new technology and data-tracking methods.
Continue reading SB campus shows difficulty of fixing failing schools .
The Ontario-Montclair School District will host two special budget workshops this week.
The district's assistant superintendent of business service Casey Cridelich will host the informational workshop on the effects of the state budget reducations to the 2010-11 OMSD district budget.
The first meeting is at 6 p.m. April 6 at Lehigh Elementary, 10200 Lehigh Ave., Montclair.
The second meeting is at 6 p.m. April 8 at Vina Danks Middle School, 1020 N. Vine Ave., Ontario.
Two representatives of the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools are among the announced recipients for 2009-10 awards at the Association of California School Administrators' Region 12 Spring Celebration on April 19.
In addition, County Superintendent Gary Thomas will be the keynote speaker at the event, which will be held at the University of Redlands' Orton Center.
The County Schools' honorees include:
Beth Higbee, assistant superintendent of Education Support Services, with the Central Office Administrator of the Year Award;
Marcelino "Chico" Garza, special assistant to the superintendent, with the Valuing Diversity Award;
The Region 12 awards will honor 20 recipients from San Bernardino County at the Spring Celebration event.
In addition, County Superintendent Gary Thomas will be the keynote speaker at the event, which will be held at the University of Redlands' Orton Center.
The County Schools' honorees include:
Beth Higbee, assistant superintendent of Education Support Services, with the Central Office Administrator of the Year Award;
Marcelino "Chico" Garza, special assistant to the superintendent, with the Valuing Diversity Award;
The Region 12 awards will honor 20 recipients from San Bernardino County at the Spring Celebration event.
