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Charter Schools, Title I scores introduced but not released

The start of the State Board of Education meeting was dominated by discussion surrounding the proposed changes in the Rubric for the Application for Charter Schools.

Board members Janet Waugh, Sue Gamble, Bill Wagnon and Carol Rupe asked pointed questions regarding the need for changes in the Rubric for Application at this time. They questioned whether or not these changes were appropriate under Kansas law. Commissioner Bob Corkins defended the proposed changes stating that there is nothing in the law stating that Charter Schools need to be under the direct control of local boards of education. The Rubric will be reviewed by teachers, administrators and local board of education members before it is brought back to the State Board for approval.

Title I scores were to be introduced but were not released. The board was concerned that school districts had been promised two years of level score targets when the new assessments were implemented. Instead the proposed changes in target scores would have doubled the number of districts listed as "on improvement." 

The board passed a change in the AYP target scores from current proposed levels to last year's levels. The change will require at least a 48-hour delay in the release of the scores for reconfiguration. Kathy Martin, district 6 Board member, stated that the board was not trying to punish schools. "We are letting the scores and the schools fall where they may." The scores will be released as soon as they are available after the reconfiguration.

The October board meeting will be in Arkansas City. No agenda was released.

In other action, the State Board:

• Approved board member travel, including a trip for Connie Morris for eight days in late December to Washington D.C. to speak with various immigration officials
• Approved program standards for new birth-K license (p. 555)
• Approved Visiting Scholar license for teacher of Chinese at SEKESC (p. 563)
• Accepted recommendations from Licensure Review Committee to approve 18 and deny 7 license/endorsement requests (p. 565)
• Received a list of 2006-2007 allocations for ESEA/NCLB programs (p. 577)
• Approved requests for bond elections from
  o USD 101, Erie (p. 587)
  o USD 239, North Ottawa County (p. 589)
  o USD 240, Twin Valley (p. 591)
  o USD 313, Buhler (p. 593)
  o USD 323, Rock Creek (p. 595)
  o USD 375, Circle (p. 597)
  o USD 416, Louisburg (p. 599)
  o USD 508, Baxter Springs (p. 601)

KNEA Legislative Contacts

Blake West, President
Peg Dunlap, Director, Instructional Advocacy
Mark Desetti, Director, Legislative and Political Advocacy
Terry Forsyth, Director, Political Action

The KNEA Lobby Team consists of elected leaders and staff. The Lobby Team welcomes member feedback on issues before the Legislature and on this site.