This year the Berryessa School District completes our transition to Common Core instructional standards. I have previously written about these new standards and the new tests that come along with it. However, this is the year that middle school math takes the plunge.
Common Core standards rely less on students memorizing math facts and more on gaining a deeper understanding of the concepts behind formulas and calculations. In the traditional mathematics model, students might have done well on tests because they learned the mechanics of math, but they didn't build a strong foundation for applying math to real life problems in the future. This is the reason that many students, even those who do well in math class, claim to "hate math" and are less likely to pursue careers in science and technology.
Common core math will build that foundational understanding of mathematical concepts. At the middle and high school level, this means going away from the traditional sequence of math instruction. No longer will students take algebra, followed by geometry and algebra II. All of these subjects will be covered at various levels of complexity each year. And the curriculum is taught in a more interactive way. Students learn better when they learn in groups, do more hands-on projects, and teach each other. That is the way Common Core math will be taught in our middle schools.
Our district, in conjunction with the East Side Alliance, is transitioning to this new math approach. This is the final year during which some 8th grade students will have the option to take geometry so that they can complete pre-calculus courses by the end of 10th grade. The East Side Union High School District will be offering Algebra II next year to incoming 9th graders who take geometry this year. Starting next year, students will be able to accelerate in the Common Core Curriculum so that those who are eligible can take High School Integrated Math II (10th grade level) in 9th grade.
Common Core integrated math is an exciting new approach to math instruction and will provide students with a strong foundation for 21st century careers.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Our Local Control Accountability Plan
For the 2013-2014 school year, California took bold action to change the way
funds are allocated to school districts. The Local Control
Funding Formula (LCFF) provides a baseline level of funding and allocates additional money above baseline for
targeted disadvantaged students.
In addition to changing the formula for funding, the new model provides flexibility to local school boards to tailor services to the local needs of students in their districts. Rather than proscribe the way the supplemental money is spent, as traditionally done through categorical programs, districts are to develop programs that work best for their students' needs.
In order to remain accountable to the local needs of students and the community, all California school districts are required to develop a Local Control Accountability Plan, which must be adopted by the Board of Trustees by July 1. As part of the process, districts are required to seek community input into their accountability plans. The Berryessa School District has been soliciting input from stakeholders over the past few months. Meetings have been held with community groups, parents, teachers, classified staff, students, and the Board of Trustees. In addition, over 700 surveys were collected both online and on paper forms.
The LCAP will be finalized using a template developed by the State Board of Education. The draft plan will be presented at a public hearing on Tuesday, June 3. Members of the community are invited to come at 7:00 to hear about the draft plan and provide input. After this final round of public comment is incorporated into the plan, the Board of Trustees will approve the final LCAP at the June 17 Board meeting and the plan will be submitted to the County Office of Education.
Key themes that emerged from the stakeholder engagement period include the importance of thoughtful implementation of Common Core Standards, a focus on social emotional skills and mental health, expanded science education, parent education and involvement, expanded electives and enrichment programs, increased access to technology, and professional development for staff and parents. As a result, the district, during the 2014-15 school year, intends to invest in school social workers, instructional coaches focused on science, technology, and English learners, a new math initiative, additional special education classes, anti-bullying programs, advanced learner programs, professional development for all staff, and a Parent University.
Please join us on Tuesday, June 3 to learn more about the district's LCAP and to provide your input. The plan draft can be viewed here.
In addition to changing the formula for funding, the new model provides flexibility to local school boards to tailor services to the local needs of students in their districts. Rather than proscribe the way the supplemental money is spent, as traditionally done through categorical programs, districts are to develop programs that work best for their students' needs.
In order to remain accountable to the local needs of students and the community, all California school districts are required to develop a Local Control Accountability Plan, which must be adopted by the Board of Trustees by July 1. As part of the process, districts are required to seek community input into their accountability plans. The Berryessa School District has been soliciting input from stakeholders over the past few months. Meetings have been held with community groups, parents, teachers, classified staff, students, and the Board of Trustees. In addition, over 700 surveys were collected both online and on paper forms.
The LCAP will be finalized using a template developed by the State Board of Education. The draft plan will be presented at a public hearing on Tuesday, June 3. Members of the community are invited to come at 7:00 to hear about the draft plan and provide input. After this final round of public comment is incorporated into the plan, the Board of Trustees will approve the final LCAP at the June 17 Board meeting and the plan will be submitted to the County Office of Education.
Key themes that emerged from the stakeholder engagement period include the importance of thoughtful implementation of Common Core Standards, a focus on social emotional skills and mental health, expanded science education, parent education and involvement, expanded electives and enrichment programs, increased access to technology, and professional development for staff and parents. As a result, the district, during the 2014-15 school year, intends to invest in school social workers, instructional coaches focused on science, technology, and English learners, a new math initiative, additional special education classes, anti-bullying programs, advanced learner programs, professional development for all staff, and a Parent University.
Please join us on Tuesday, June 3 to learn more about the district's LCAP and to provide your input. The plan draft can be viewed here.
Monday, February 24, 2014
The Importance of Transparency
Politics is about the free and open discussion of ideas. While much of the focus is often on disagreement, a healthy community should welcome varying views about the best path to get to our shared common goals. But when there are disagreements over process or even the end point, it is particularly important that ideas are shared openly and fairly.
In the 2012 election cycle, there was a shadow group from Arizona that dumped millions of dollars into California's political cycle in order to defeat Proposition 30 and support Proposition 32. They created the group in order to hide who was really funding their political activities. California's Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) stepped up and sued them for not publicly disclosing their funding sources and filing the appropriate reports. Fortunately, California law is clear and the group was found in violation.
Currently in Berryessa, there is a small group of people who are intent on undermining the district's attempt to raise revenue the Board and District believe is desperately needed to bring our facilities up to 21st century standards, ensure a safe and secure learning environment, and offer modern technology to our students. There is nothing wrong with legitimate debate about whether or not the district needs the community to provide this investment and the best way to structure any bonds. However, this group of individuals began leaving leaflets on cars in front of schools and placing ads in local newspapers without any identifying information.
The materials contain unknown group names such as "Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education" and "Coalition Advisory Committee on Fiscal Reform." State campaign law says that such groups must file paperwork with the state so that interested parties can find out who is funding them, if they are advocating for or against ballot measures or candidates.
When no such paperwork was found, I filed a private complaint with the FPPC to try to shed light on these groups. The FPPC has informed me that the anonymous nature of these groups' activities would be a violation of California election law once there is an actual ballot measure placed on the ballot. Since the Board has not yet decided whether to place a bond measure on the ballot, there is no transparency required by any groups campaigning against the district. They encouraged me to refile my complaint once the district takes action to place a bond on the ballot, if anonymous political activity continues.
While there may not yet be any violation of the letter of the law, there is no question that the spirit of the law has not been met in this case. I will continue to advocate for transparency in all political activity in our community. I welcome all public discussion of the issues surrounding the district's need for a bond measure, but the public should know who is behind all sides of the debate.
In the 2012 election cycle, there was a shadow group from Arizona that dumped millions of dollars into California's political cycle in order to defeat Proposition 30 and support Proposition 32. They created the group in order to hide who was really funding their political activities. California's Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) stepped up and sued them for not publicly disclosing their funding sources and filing the appropriate reports. Fortunately, California law is clear and the group was found in violation.
Currently in Berryessa, there is a small group of people who are intent on undermining the district's attempt to raise revenue the Board and District believe is desperately needed to bring our facilities up to 21st century standards, ensure a safe and secure learning environment, and offer modern technology to our students. There is nothing wrong with legitimate debate about whether or not the district needs the community to provide this investment and the best way to structure any bonds. However, this group of individuals began leaving leaflets on cars in front of schools and placing ads in local newspapers without any identifying information.
The materials contain unknown group names such as "Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education" and "Coalition Advisory Committee on Fiscal Reform." State campaign law says that such groups must file paperwork with the state so that interested parties can find out who is funding them, if they are advocating for or against ballot measures or candidates.
When no such paperwork was found, I filed a private complaint with the FPPC to try to shed light on these groups. The FPPC has informed me that the anonymous nature of these groups' activities would be a violation of California election law once there is an actual ballot measure placed on the ballot. Since the Board has not yet decided whether to place a bond measure on the ballot, there is no transparency required by any groups campaigning against the district. They encouraged me to refile my complaint once the district takes action to place a bond on the ballot, if anonymous political activity continues.
While there may not yet be any violation of the letter of the law, there is no question that the spirit of the law has not been met in this case. I will continue to advocate for transparency in all political activity in our community. I welcome all public discussion of the issues surrounding the district's need for a bond measure, but the public should know who is behind all sides of the debate.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Kevin Costello Explains Why Berryessa Needs a New Bond
At this week's Board Meeting, community member and retired teacher/counselor Kevin Costello gave an impassioned speech about the district's need for a bond measure. He ran out of time to complete the entire message, so I am posting it in its entirety here. Thanks Kevin for always being there for the students of Berryessa.
- "I have been serving the district continuously since 1975 as a teacher, counselor, and now a community member. I am currently serving on the Measure W oversight committee and the steering committee for the new bond measure. When I retired, Jack Owens said he had one more gift for me after he gave me the bell... He gave me a ream of paper representing all the grievances I filed against the district. If the district was doing something wrong I was there to challenge the status quo and when it is doing something right I'm there to stand by her and that's why I'm here tonight.
"I support your efforts to pass a new bond to improve the infrastructure of our aging schools and bring more security and upgrades to enhance the learning of our children. When I transferred to Morrill in 1991 I found that the school was in poor shape... Original carpets still there from 1972, all the classrooms were in need of paint. The water from all the spickets ran a rusty color. There was no gym so no home games as the indoor basketball court was in the multi-use room and too small. We'd get hand me down furniture from companies that went belly up for our library and offices.
"Then, a couple of years later my wife transferred over to Morrill from Vinci Park with her principal and a couple of others. Now my wife was a new teacher mentor and so when the new teachers came at the beginning of each new school year well we'd jump in and paint their classrooms with an off-white color of hope. (One year we got 6 new teachers so I got pretty good with a paint roller.) The principal asked me to build a couple of walls in the library to make a computer lab. Did I mention that the roof leaked for a number of years on those worn out old brown carpets?
"Finally the district decided to have a measure G for infrastructure improvement so I got on the committee and was hopeful that finally we would get some needed improvements. But dog gone it if some community members were opposed to improving our schools for this reason or that. Well a couple more years passed and the district tried for another bond Measure B and it passed but it cost the community an extra 2 million dollars. But at least we'd get some needed improvements. And we did! We got all fixed up, a new gym, new carpet, fresh paint, heating and air conditioning that worked, and a new roof. One year our API shot up 64 points!
"Let's fast forward now to 2014 deja vu. Same players trying to sabotage your efforts to make the schools safer and ensure the future of our children and improve the quality of our community.
"When I was a counselor a key component was confidentiality. But you know there is another side to that coin. Do you know what it is? It's the duty to warn. And that's why I'm here tonight. Look at the private schools Challenger, Merryhill, Milpitas Christian. All fenced. Since the Sandy Hook tragedy of Dec. 2012 (14 months ago) there have been another 28 school shootings.
"And in every community they all said "how could this happen here?" Could it happen here? It already has. Do you know you Al Joseph Deguzman is? He went to Morrill but is best known for being the De Anza bomber. Even though he was stopped it already happened here. Do we really have a choice in making our schools safer today?
"Opposition to the new bond will only support the vandals, the thieves, the arsonists, and the intruders that prey upon our open school campuses. This past year 6 cars were broken into at Noble, a homeless man was using the bathroom at Cherrywood, park users were using the bathroom at Majestic Way and at Summerdale there was an intruder.
"I would like to invite anyone who is opposed to this new bond measure to sit down with me and the Superintendent and have a few cups of tea. I'd like to share with them some of the stories I have of protecting our campus at Morrill for 20 years. I'll tell them about the intruders I've dealt with. The vandalism I've seen. I'll tell them about the arsonist I helped apprehend and a number of graffiti cases I solved.
"I'm tired of our schools being sitting ducks. Tired of our teachers getting their cars ripped off while they are teaching our children, tired of having our trees cut down, our classrooms, burned, our roof tops the campsites of the homeless, our metal stair railings stolen in the middle of the night. I'm tired of the graffiti that our children must see after a long weekend or school break. I'm tired of homeless men panhandling parents in our parking lots as they drop students off, I'm tired of the lame excuses used by intruders when they speak to the police about why they were on our campuses. Book 'em Dano. There should be a no tolerance law for intruders so they spend at least one night in jail thinking about their poor judgement.
"The times we live in dictate adding a blanket of security to our schools and providing what's needed to ensure our students can compete with the rest of the global community.
"Finally, there are community watchdogs and puppy dogs.
"Watchdogs
- Sit and listen to the pack for long periods of time
- Respected by the pack and usually win elections easily
- Keen observers with one eye always fixed on the big picture
- Know the culture of their community
- When they act it's decisive
- They engage in oversight as a matter of routine
"Puppy Dogs
- Come late and leave early
- Nip at the watchdogs to gain attention
- Usually have a singular focus
- Don't know the whole culture of their community
- When they do act it is usually rebuked
- Find fault with oversight but never serve on oversight committees
"I hope this community appreciates the great watchdogs they have, and I hope that the community comes together and wises up about the culture that preys on our schools, and I hope the community acts in a decisive way to build up our schools and our community. We can do this and we should do this.
So community wake up, wise up, and stand up for our schools and support this needed Bond Measure."
Friday, January 31, 2014
Stragetic Plan
After several years of talking about developing a long-term strategic plan for the Berryessa School District, the Board held a one-day retreat in early December to put together a plan with three-year goals for the district. The retreat included a broad cross section of community members and district employees. We spent the day brainstorming about the strengths and weaknesses of the district, developing three-year goals and then working in small teams to create a 6-month action plan.
The Board officially approved the Strategic Plan at our Jan. 21 meeting and the goals have been disseminated out to the school sites so that everyone is aware of the primary objectives for the district. Each month, the Board will receive a report on progress toward the 6-month objectives and the entire Strategic Planning group will reconvene in May to review the results, adjust the goals, and develop the next action plan.
The first exciting outcome from the retreat was a modernization of the district's Mission Statement. We continue to focus on developing lifelong learners, but the statement now includes a nod to the 21st century and the global nature of our society. We are proud to live in as diverse a community as Berryessa, which is a microcosm for the entire world. All our students need to be prepared not just for college and career, but to be contributing members of an ever shrinking world. Therefore, our new Mission Statement reads:
We formulated 5 key 3-year goals for the district, which I hope you agree capture key things that will make our district successful in achieving our mission and improving the educational outcomes for the students we serve. The five goals are:
The Board officially approved the Strategic Plan at our Jan. 21 meeting and the goals have been disseminated out to the school sites so that everyone is aware of the primary objectives for the district. Each month, the Board will receive a report on progress toward the 6-month objectives and the entire Strategic Planning group will reconvene in May to review the results, adjust the goals, and develop the next action plan.
The first exciting outcome from the retreat was a modernization of the district's Mission Statement. We continue to focus on developing lifelong learners, but the statement now includes a nod to the 21st century and the global nature of our society. We are proud to live in as diverse a community as Berryessa, which is a microcosm for the entire world. All our students need to be prepared not just for college and career, but to be contributing members of an ever shrinking world. Therefore, our new Mission Statement reads:
Berryessa Union School District provides all students the skills to become lifelong learners and successful 21st century global citizens.
We formulated 5 key 3-year goals for the district, which I hope you agree capture key things that will make our district successful in achieving our mission and improving the educational outcomes for the students we serve. The five goals are:
- Ensure a safe learning environment
- Enhance proficiency in the 4 C's: communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity
- Enhance technology
- Provide professional development for all staff
- Increase parent and community involvement and education
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Local Control Accountability Plan Testimony
California Governor Jerry Brown and the Legislature took bold action in 2013 to change the way funds are allocated to school districts. The so-called Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) allocates additional money above baseline for targeted disadvantaged students. One of the exciting things about the new funding model is that it provides flexibility to local school boards to tailor services to the local needs of students in their districts. Rather than proscribe the way the supplemental money is spent, as traditionally done through categorical programs, districts are supposed to be able develop district- and school-wide programs that work best for their students' needs. School boards will then be accountable for the success of their programs.
The legislation left it up to the State Board of Education (SBE) to develop spending regulations to guide districts through the process of creating a Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). The Berryessa Union School District is sending out surveys and holding constituent meetings to gather input as we develop the LCAP for the 2014-15 school year. As the SBE develops the regulations, they are under lots of pressure to put restrictions on the ways districts can spend their money. This may end up taking much of the local control back from school boards.
Next week, SBE is holding a hearing to gather input on the spending regulations. Since I am unable to be in Sacramento on Thursday, I sent the following letter to SBE today in place of providing personal testimony.
The legislation left it up to the State Board of Education (SBE) to develop spending regulations to guide districts through the process of creating a Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). The Berryessa Union School District is sending out surveys and holding constituent meetings to gather input as we develop the LCAP for the 2014-15 school year. As the SBE develops the regulations, they are under lots of pressure to put restrictions on the ways districts can spend their money. This may end up taking much of the local control back from school boards.
Next week, SBE is holding a hearing to gather input on the spending regulations. Since I am unable to be in Sacramento on Thursday, I sent the following letter to SBE today in place of providing personal testimony.
January 9, 2014
President Michael Kirst and Members
California State Board of Education
1430 N. Steet, #5111
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: January Meeting Agenda Items 20 & 21: Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP)
Dear President Kirst and Members of the State Board of Education:
As a member of the Berryessa School Board, I am very excited about the promise of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). The flexibility afforded districts to spend resources as they see fit allows local priorities to be met and makes the board more accountable to local stakeholders. Our district takes very seriously the requirements that LCFF planning needs requires a focus on equity and transparency. We held a discussion at our December Board meeting to discuss plans for developing a Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) that meets the needs of our very diverse district.
The process is beginning right away, with meetings being held at school sites and with other stakeholder groups in the district, to make sure that the plan reflects the needs of our students and families. We will be surveying parents and members of the community and involving all constituents in the process.
One of the best parts of the spending regulations as proposed is that they allow districts to decide how best to serve their own students. Districts will be held accountable for results without being proscribed on how to spend added resources. In addition, LCFF allows for the development of both district- and school-wide programs and services. Both are important in promoting student achievement and success. There are many different educational models that can achieve good educational outcomes, and it should be left to local districts to decide the best way to allocate the money to achieve those outcomes.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to share my comments with you and for your thoughtful approach to developing the spending regulations that govern the implementation of LCFF.
Sincerely,
David Cohen
Trustee, Berryessa Union School District
California State Board of Education
1430 N. Steet, #5111
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: January Meeting Agenda Items 20 & 21: Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP)
Dear President Kirst and Members of the State Board of Education:
As a member of the Berryessa School Board, I am very excited about the promise of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). The flexibility afforded districts to spend resources as they see fit allows local priorities to be met and makes the board more accountable to local stakeholders. Our district takes very seriously the requirements that LCFF planning needs requires a focus on equity and transparency. We held a discussion at our December Board meeting to discuss plans for developing a Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) that meets the needs of our very diverse district.
The process is beginning right away, with meetings being held at school sites and with other stakeholder groups in the district, to make sure that the plan reflects the needs of our students and families. We will be surveying parents and members of the community and involving all constituents in the process.
One of the best parts of the spending regulations as proposed is that they allow districts to decide how best to serve their own students. Districts will be held accountable for results without being proscribed on how to spend added resources. In addition, LCFF allows for the development of both district- and school-wide programs and services. Both are important in promoting student achievement and success. There are many different educational models that can achieve good educational outcomes, and it should be left to local districts to decide the best way to allocate the money to achieve those outcomes.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to share my comments with you and for your thoughtful approach to developing the spending regulations that govern the implementation of LCFF.
Sincerely,
David Cohen
Trustee, Berryessa Union School District
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