May 2007 State Board News
Recruitment and Retention
Dr. Martha Gage reported that the shortage of teachers in Kansas is not going away soon. She asked the board to look at data in several areas including teacher qualifications, preparation, and areas of greatest need. Is it possible to have high quality and sufficient quantity at the same time? Some suggestions included:
- Lowering standards and test scores (however, this was certainly not a recommendation)
- Limit, expand, eliminate, or add requirements
- Limit programs with excessive content hours
- Add more preparation in special education, ELL, technology
- If we add – what do we take away?
- Begin anew
Dr. Gage noted that the number of content hours needed for some endorsements were prohibitive for teachers. Data on retention of teachers shows that those with induction and mentoring for at least three years were much more likely to stay in the field. She cited the Teacher Working Conditions survey noting the need for mentoring in leadership positions as well; strong, effective leaders build strong schools.
Beth Fultz presented the Licensed Personnel Report State Profile for 2006-2007 which showed an increase in licensed personnel of 3.3%. Other statistics include:
- 92% of the state mentored teachers returned vs 87% without state mentoring support (some may have received mentoring from the district without state support)
- 93% are fully qualified; 3.4% are provisionally qualified
- 88.2% are highly qualified; 91.9% are fully licensed
Small districts with one elementary and one high school present the most difficulty in trying to staff. For instance, they may have only one science teacher who must teach biology, chemistry, physical science, and physics, but cannot be highly qualified in all of these areas. The state is giving more waivers, but the retention of those teachers in the same position is decreasing.-
Assessment Targets Reviewed
Dr. Tom Foster reviewed the procedure for assessing the targets for 2007-2014. Because of the formula specified by NCLB, when a new test is given, a new starting point must be used and the targets are adjusted. The new targets for 2007 would have resulted in a 15% increase for 9-12 Reading. The discussion about each of the targets led Carol Rupe to make a motion that would set the targets at the level established in 2002; the motion passed 8-0. According to Dr. Foster, Kansas must show “significant” progress in assessments each year. If the federal government does not approve the targets, next fall, additional schools may be placed on the list of schools not meeting AYP.
Model Library-Media and Technology Standards Received
The Library-Media and Technology Standards were received by the board in a presentation by the co-chairs of the committee, Dr. Mirah Dow and Carol Fax, both from Emporia State University. In determining the standards recommendations for Kansas, the committee looked at standards from other states as well as national standards. They will follow up with a five year qualitative and quantitative study. Currently, the state requires a technology assessment at the eighth grade, however, a state test has not been developed. Under the guidelines, each district may determine their own assessment in this area and report the results to the state. The 500 page report can be accessed through the state board website – www.ksde.org– state board, May materials.
Reading First Program
A report on the Reading First Program being used in both Wichita and Arkansas City shows significant gains in reading assessments at all levels. Both districts believed that the program, although very prescriptive, was the reason for the higher test scores in reading. Arkansas City superintendent was able to eliminate other programs being used, such as Accelerated Reader, and put that money into the budget for Reading First.
ESOL Presentation from Southwest Plains Regional Service Center
The Southwest Plains Regional Service Center has several programs in this region of the state because of the minority-majority population. They look at second language acquisition as an opportunity rather than a challenge. The programs address four areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Addressing these issues for second language learners is challenging. More training for teachers is required and more time for teachers to address the problems is needed. The two most effective programs include Sheltered Instruction where the teacher is taught to address all content objectives with reading, writing, listening and speaking objectives as well. The most effective program is Bilingual/Dual Language programs K-12. This is also the most costly and requires bilingual teachers. Many of the bilingual, well-educated professionals in the community would like to be utilized by the school system, but find it to be cost/time prohibitive to become certified teachers.
Other Action
- Model Standards for Health Education have been revised to provide opt out and a sex education curriculum – passed 6-3; Bacon, Martin, Willard voted against
- Model Standards for Visual Arts – Sally Cauble presented an amendment to the introduction stating that the standards are written for students rather than teachers. Motion failed for a lack of 6 votes
- Charter school for Oberle/Kinsley was moved to 2007-2008
- Waiver for minimum school year for Greensburg was passed
- Ms. Madeleine Burkindine was appointed Superintendent/Principal for the Kansas State School for the Blind
Approved
- Licensure Review Committee Recommendations
- Waiver Review Committee Recommendations
- Reappointments to the Standards Board
- Reappointments to the Licensure Review Committee
- Reappointments to the Professional Practices Commission
- Licensure Fee for FY 2008 (stays the same)
- Continuing contract with KU and Emporia State for Title I professional development
- Accreditation waiver for Cimarron Jr/Sr High School, USD 102
- Kansas Inservice plan
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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.
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