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Over 4,000 Attend Charter School Rally Columbus, Ohio Statehouse May 13, 2009
Senate President Bill Harris
Senator Harris read a Columbus Dispatch editorial that stated: Parents value the smaller classes, tighter discipline, greater safety, moral climate and individual attention that charters can provide. The Senate should ensure that the charter-school option remains secure and robust. Pointing towards the Governor's office the Senate President shouted, "It's immoral to not properly fund charter schools and I pledge to you that the Senate will fight to protect school choice and your children". The crowd roared with delight and approval. Senator Jon A. Husted
Senator Jon Husted drafted much of Ohio's charter school law, as well as insisting on high accountability standards that would close low performing schools. He said that, "Ohio needs to hold all public schools to those high standards of accountability".
The Senator told the crowd to tell Strickland and lawmakers not to 'play politics' with students' future. He then envoked all 4,000 to shout, "I love my school....I love my school....I love my school".
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Wednesday
May 13, 2009 - (OEC-LS) Public Hearing on Model Special Education Policy
and Procedures and Optional Forms |
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Office for Exceptional Children
To: District and Special Education Administrators
From: Kathe Shelby, Ph.D., Director, Office for Exceptional Children
Date: May 13, 2009
Subject: Model Special Education Policy and Procedures and Optional Forms
The Office for Exceptional Children is releasing written model policies and procedures and optional (not required) special education forms. The hearing for public comment is on May 22, 2009 and is held pursuant to 34 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Sections 300.165 and 300.509.
As you know, LEAs are required by the Operating Standards for Ohio Educational Agencies Serving Children with Disabilities to adopt written policies and procedures to implement the Operating Standards for Ohio Educational Agencies Serving Children with Disabilities for the 2009-2010 school year. Districts will have the option to adopt the written Model Special Education Policy and Procedures for Ohio’s Educational Agencies Serving Children with Disabilities written by ODE/OEC or write their own special education policies and procedures which then must be submitted to ODE for review and approval. Districts will have until November 1, 2009 to adopt written policies and procedures for special education.
ODE requests your comments and suggestions as your input is a very important part of this process. Please find below the public hearing announcement.
On May 22, 2009, the Ohio Department of Education, Office for Exceptional Children, will hold a public hearing on model written policy and procedures which may be adopted by LEAs to implement the Operating Standards for Ohio Educational Agencies Serving Children with Disabilities and used to administer programs and services for children with disabilities. In addition, optional special education forms that LEAs may chose to use will also be presented at this hearing. The hearing is held pursuant to 34 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Sections 300.165 and 300.509. The model written policies and procedures and optional forms are:
POLICY AND PROCEDURES:
OPTIONAL FORMS:
TIME AND PLACE OF PUBLIC HEARING: The public hearing will be held from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2009, Dublin Metropolitan Library, 75 North High Street, Dublin, OH 43017.
COPIES OF LISTED FORMS AND PROCEDURES: Copies of the listed forms and procedures will be available May 12, 2009 at EdResourcesOhio’s Web-site at www.EdResourcesOhio.org. To view this text on the home page look for “News & Updates” and make your selection.
PARTIES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING OPPORTUNITIES TO COMMENT ON THE ADOPTION OR REVISION OF THE LISTED FORMS AND PROCEDURES:
HEARING Parties may attend and participate in the public hearing on the listed forms and policy and procedures. Oral, written testimony, and/or written comments may be provided at the hearing. The time and place for the hearing are given above.
WRITTEN COMMENTS Parties may submit written comments directly to the Office for Exceptional Children, Ohio Department of Education. Written comments not submitted at the hearing shall be either: (1) mailed to Shirley Crabtree, Procedural Safeguards, Office for Exceptional Children, Ohio Department of Education, 25 South Front Street, Mail Stop 202, Columbus, Ohio 43215-4176; (2) faxed to Shirley Crabtree at (614) 728-1097; or (3) e-mailed to shirley.crabtree@ode.state.oh.us. All written comments submitted must be received by the Office for Exceptional Children by 5:00 p.m. on May 22, 2009. If you are requesting an interpreter or other needed services at the public hearing, please contact Shirley Crabtree (614.387.2250) at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
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Tuesday
May 12, 2009 - EdConnection - Weekly Update from Deborah S. Delisle, Superintendent
of Public Instruction |
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May
11, 2009 Good afternoon. No matter what part of Ohio in which you are located, I am hoping that
your For most of you, there are just a few weeks left in this school year.
I hope These three OSTW schools join 14 other Ohio schools that previously earned Update on House Bill 1 As you are aware, House Bill 1 is now under consideration by the Ohio I am fully aware of a number of your questions and concerns. That is
why I In addition to a timeline, I have proposed a strategy that will provide This approach will encourage districts to continue doing what is working As districts put the various options to use, the Accountability Committee As the budget process continues to evolve, I will keep you posted. Know
that Sincerely, [cid:image004.gif@01C9D24B.EAEB5040] Here are some more items that may be of interest to you: * ARRA information available on ODE's Web site ARRA information available on ODE's Web site Recently, stimulus talking points were added to this page. In addition
to Documents such as an implementation grid with disbursement timelines,
Title There are still several areas where ODE is awaiting further guidance
from Competitive grant deadlines coming up School Cafeteria Equipment Program Under this program, schools may apply for funds to assist with new equipment Grants will be awarded through a competitive process. Priority will be
given To be considered for funding for the School Cafeteria Equipment Program,
all 1. A one-page project proposal must be submitted on the |
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Sunday
May 10, 2009 - NEW FUNDS FOR GIFTED STUDENTS |
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LAST REMINDER
If you haven’t already applied to the ODE for Gifted funds -- Monday, May 11th is your last opportunity. See details below.
Let us know should you have questions – we will be happy to provide assistance.
Ohio Coalition for Quality Education
To: Ohio Public Community Schools
Subject: Apply before May 11th to ODE for eligibility of Gifted Funds
Part of OCQE’s mission is to search for ways to help community schools reduce operating costs and also locate new sources of funding.
Last week, we met with the ODE’s Office of Exceptional Children to confirm that community schools will be eligible for gifted funds and determine the process for you to apply. It was a positive meeting and while the application process for requesting funds is time-sensitive, we urge that you move quickly to apply for your school.
See the attached ODE memo that describes the process. While there are multible steps the important thing is that you complete items 1 and 2 very quickly. Make your request through a SAFE account prior to May 11th. Make sure to identify at least one student as gifted and submit ID data through EMIS.
It will help by saying that you agree to abide by the gifted operating standards. See link below: (education.ohio.gov/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3&TopicRelationID=503&ContentID=7642&Content=48715)
This applies to both brick-and-mortar and E-Schools. The actual amount of gifted funds available will not be known until Ohio’s biennium budget is signed by June 30th. It’s a bit like buying a lotto ticket -- if you don’t apply before May 11th, you will have zero chance of receiving funds. Every new source of funding will help you.
Look at the data from your nationally-normed tests, identify at least one or two students and apply for identification / service fundings.
Email if you would like OCQE to schedule a ‘help session’ in Columbus later in May or early June.
If you have questions, email me ASAP. Don’t delay.
ra
Ron F. Adler President Ohio Coalition for Quality Education Phone: 937.239.7969 Email: radler@ocqe.org Website: www.ocqe.org |
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Sunday
May 10, 2009 - HIGH SCHOOL GRADUCATION CEREMONY |
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Subject: It’s that time of the year -- Invite Me to Your Commencement Ceremony! High school student graduation ceremonies are the final validation that students are learning and your school truly works. It is a time for celebration and we always look forward to being part of the festivities. Last year I was able to attend 14 graduations and publish stories about the student successes.
I can’t promise that I can fit every graduation onto my calendar, but email the date/time/location of your commencement ceremony and I’ll do my best to be there with my camera.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
ra
Ron F. Adler President Ohio Coalition for Quality Education Phone: 937.239.7969 Email: radler@ocqe.org Website: www.ocqe.org |
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Saturday
May 9, 2009 - STRICKLAND DOES'T GET ENDORSEMENT THAT HE HOPED FOR |
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Contact:
Ron F. Adler President Ohio Coalition for Quality Education 937.239.7969 MEDIA RELEASE
SECRETARY OF EDUCATION DOES NOT ENDORSE GOVERNOR STRICKLAND’S EDUCATION PLAN
Columbus, Ohio, May 8, 2009. At their annual spring meeting, a few hundred members of the OEA teachers union listened as U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan spoke about the importance of developing high quality schools – district, charter – all types of public schools. Perhaps to Strickland’s surprise, Secretary Duncan did not endorse or even reference the Governor’s education plan.
It’s unknown if Secretary Duncan was even aware that Strickland’s plan discriminates against thousands of public charter school students.
Two years ago Strickland tried to kill school-choice in Ohio through his biennium budget recommendations. When the General Assembly said, “no”, Strickland and teacher union lobbyists devised a new attack strategy for 2008 -- design an education plan that supports traditional district schools, but dramatically slashes funding for ‘public’ charter schools. With funding cuts of 20-70% the governor’s education plan clearly says that, ‘children attending public community schools are worth less than children attending traditional district schools’.
His plan creates two separate classes of public schools and public school students by funding them differently. That is discrimination. Without question, Governor Strickland’s education plan is laying the groundwork for a civil rights battle in Ohio.
Secretary of Education Duncan and President Obama have consistently supported charter schools as part of the public education system.
Strickland’s spokeswoman Amanda Wurst said, “it’s not true that the governor’s plan discriminates against charter schools”, arguing that the funding formula is different from other schools because the charter school model is different.
Ron Adler, President of the Ohio Coalition for Quality Education said, “Actions speak louder than words. The governor and House Democrats slashed already low funding levels for Ohio community schools by more than 20 percent”.
Governor Strickland, with help from teachers’ unions lobbyists, designed an education plan that will ‘throw over 80,000 public school children under the bus’.
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Friday
May 8, 2009 - Youth Friends 2009 Early Bird Here To Stay Early Bird Rate |
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Kansas City Marriott Downtown
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Wednesday
May 6, 2009 - Special Message from
Deborah S. Delisle, Superintendent of Public Instruction |
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May 6, 2009
Good morning:
It has been an interesting couple of weeks with the flurry of information being released about the H1N1 virus, also know as the “swine flu.”
Yesterday afternoon, the CDC issued new guidance for school districts to consider when dealing with a case of the H1N1 virus. The new guidance suggests that schools can remain open, even if there is a confirmed case of the H1N1 virus in their school community. The previous recommendation had been that the school should close for up to 14 days with the length being determined at the local level.
Current recommendations include keeping students and staff with symptoms of the flu out of school during their illness. In addition, the CDC recommends further encouragement of prevention measures, such as frequent hand-washing.
I suggest that you review the new guidelines, available here, and coordinate with your local health department if a case of the flu is confirmed in one of your schools. To date, five cases have been confirmed statewide.
I appreciate your diligence and commitment to your students’ health and well-being. If any further information becomes available, I will be certain to pass it along.
Additionally, I wanted to be sure you are aware that U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will be speaking at the “Ohio’s Revival: Reforming Education for the 21st Century Economy” rally at The Ohio State University on Friday, May 8.
Several speakers, including Governor Strickland and OSU President E. Gordon Gee, will be involved in the event, and the keynote address will be delivered by Secretary Duncan.
Chancellor Eric Fingerhut and I will discuss the importance of an aligned P-16 education system that prepares students for the workforce, postsecondary education and beyond.
When: Friday, May 8, 2009 11:45 a.m.
Where: The Ohio State University West Lawn of the Jerome Schottenstein Center 555 Borror Rd. Columbus, OH 43210
The event is open to the public. If you are interested in attending, please visit www.conversationoneducation.org and RSVP. By doing this, you will ensure you receive the latest information about the event as more details become available.
I realize that this is short notice, but I want to make sure you were aware of the event in case you are able to fit it in into your already busy schedule. Have a great rest of the week!
Sincerely, Deborah Delisle |
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Wednesday
May 6, 2009 - COMMENTARY, COLUMBUS DISPATCH |
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Columbus Dispatch
Schools plan meant to appease union
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 3:11 AM
I found it interesting to discover, with the release of information about who crafted the governor's education plan, that most, if not all, were members of the most powerful union in this country -- a union that allots more than 60 percent of its contributors' money to the Democratic Party and is famous for fighting against charter schools. Gov. Ted Strickland makes no secret of his loathing of charter schools and, in particular, e-schools, and of his wish to eradicate them from Ohio to force families back into a system that has already failed their children. It seems he cares nothing for the children who may be finding some measure of success and accomplishment in alternative school systems. He appeases the union to keep himself in its favor and support. The public school districts have done an abysmal job of managing their money. It is also ridiculous to compare the success of the relatively new charter schools to a system that has been around for a much longer period of time. Does the governor not realize why people are leaving those schools? Isn't it time to wake up and understand that if those traditional systems were working, people wouldn't be leaving? In trying to force closure of charter schools through this ludicrous and unjust budget, the governor will be throwing Ohio education back to the Dark Ages. It boggles the mind that someone in a position of power could have such narrow vision. MARY
PETERSON #### |
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Tuesday
May 5, 2009 - OH Charter Advocates Head to DC for National Charter Schools
Week. |
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Dear Lisa, Happy National Charter Schools Week! Today, I am honored to represent Ohio as I join charter advocates from all over the country as we gather in Washington, DC. Along with the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, we are meeting with members of Congress, urging support for President Obama's budget request which provides much-needed funding for charter schools. Learn more about President Obama's support for charter schools here. Shortly after taking office, the President, along with First Lady Michelle Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan, visited with students and staff at Washington DC's Capital City Public Charter School. Looking at the curriculum, the kids, and the community's success, President Obama said, "The outstanding work that's being done here...is an example of how all our schools should be." The Obama administration knows what the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools has known for years: Charter schools are raising the bar about what's possible — and what should be expected — in public education. Now that's change we can believe in. Over the next few weeks I hope you will join us in calling on Congress to stand with us and with the President in supporting public charter schools. Bill Simms
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Monday
May 4, 2009 - NEW FUNDS FOR GIFTED
STUDENTS |
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To: Ohio Public Community Schools
Subject: Apply before May 11th to ODE for eligibility of Gifted Funds
Part of OCQE’s mission is to search for ways to help community schools reduce operating costs and also locate new sources of funding.
Last week, we met with the ODE’s Office of Exceptional Children to confirm that community schools will be eligible for gifted funds and determine the process for you to apply. It was a positive meeting and while the application process for requesting funds is time-sensitive, we urge that you move quickly to apply for your school.
See the attached ODE memo that describes the process. While there are multible steps the important thing is that you complete items 1 and 2 very quickly. Make your request through a SAFE account prior to May 11th. Make sure to identify at least one student as gifted and submit ID data through EMIS.
Steps for Requesting Gifted Education Funding for Community Schools May 1 2009
It will help by saying that you agree to abide by the gifted operating standards. See link below: (education.ohio.gov/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3&TopicRelationID=503&ContentID=7642&Content=48715)
This applies to both brick-and-mortar and E-Schools. The actual amount of gifted funds available will not be known until Ohio’s biennium budget is signed by June 30th. It’s a bit like buying a lotto ticket -- if you don’t apply before May 11th, you will have zero chance of receiving funds. Every new source of funding will help you.
Look at the data from your nationally-normed tests, identify at least one or two students and apply for identification / service fundings.
Email if you would like OCQE to schedule a ‘help session’ in Columbus later in May or early June.
If you have questions, email me ASAP. Don’t delay.
Ron F. Adler President Ohio Coalition for Quality Education Phone: 937.239.7969 Email: radler@ocqe.org Website: www.ocqe.org |
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Monday
May 4, 2009 - MAY 7th / YOU'RE INVITED |
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Reminder -- If you forgot to register email OCQE to reserve a place.
HOLD THE DATE / YOU’RE INVITED
To:
Ohio Community Schools & Sponsors
Formative
Instruction Technologies (F.I.T.) is designed to eliminate barriers faced
by teachers and administrators, and make it easy to utilize student performance
data to inform instruction each and every day. Everyone is looking
for tools that will allow educators to easily and effectively support
continuous improvement of students' academic achievement. F.I.T.
is an innovative and completely integrated instructional data system unlike
any in use today.
Additional details about F.I.T., as well as directions to the Columbus State Library are attached below.
B. Keith Speers Chief Executive Officer Consulting Without Limits, L.L.C. 605 N. High Street, Suite 115 Columbus, OH. 43215 888.323.4295 ext. 101 (Enter extension number at first voice prompt)
Ron F. Adler President Ohio Coalition for Quality Education Phone: 937.239.7969 Email: radler@ocqe.org Website: www.ocqe.org |
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Friday
May 1, 2009 - Youth Friends 2009 Early Bird Here To Stay - ACT NOW! |
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Kansas City Marriott Downtown
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