Kelly's Curriculum Corner

  Over the break, I watched, Waiting for “Superman,” a documentary analyzing the failures of the American public education system. The film is a tangle of facts, figures and emotional stories of children and their families. It’s bold, matter of fact, and compelling. Do they have it right? Do the facts have merit? I am urging each and every educator to watch this film and draw their own conclusions because policy-makers and community members certainly are…..

For Shohola Elementary School , Delaware Valley School District , a 100% AYP is not an elusive dream, rather it is close to reality with a combined score of 90% proficiency for reading and 93% for math for grades 3 to 6. In addition, Shohola received top scores on PVAAS for both Growth and Achievement for 4th grade reading and math and 6th grade reading and math. Meaning their students are not entering school with exceptional abilities, rather specific curricular and instructional practices are contributing to student success. I sat down with James Purcell, Director of Elementary Education, to learn the secrets of their success. Their story begins with dissatisfaction with their Title I reading program. Their data indicated they were not moving their students. As Mr. Purcell said, "if you can't move the bottom group of students, you can't move your scores." They met with their numerous stakeholders, but it was the Title I reading specialists themselves that sugges...

President-Elect Obama has a website. He reviews his agenda for his administration including education. His slogan is, "Tell us your ideas and be apart of the change you are looking for." He is encouraging the American people to share their thoughts on the direction he is moving our country. At this point, the Secretary of Education position is not filled... I am encouraging all of you to share your ideas on the direction we need to move to help all students reach 21st century skills. Click here to view Obama's website. Click here to review Obama's Education agenda. Click here to share your ideas.

Yesterday, Secretary of Education, Margaret Spellings, released the final regulations to NCLB. Highlights include: Uniform formula to calculate graduation rate Expand opportunities for participation in supplementary education services or SES. States must re-evaluate "n" size. It must be no larger than necessary to ensure confidentiality of individuals and statistical accuracy. This could effect AYP for the 2009-10 assessment results. The NCLB report card for LEAs must contain NAEP assessment results. The percentage of students at each achievement level on NAEP must be reported in the aggregate along side PSSA scores.                                                          ...