The advantage of AdvancedED

Dr. Connie Harris and a panel of Superintendents discussed the benefits of attaining the AdvancED Accreditation. The accreditation serves as a road map for continuous improvement as well as focuses on the organizational mindset to create a culture of continuous improvement. One of the beliefs of AdvacED is all institutions, whether public, private, charter, early learning or parochial- year long, traditional or online, should strive to improve continually the instruction, resources and services they provide to the students of their community. To find out more about the program visit www.advac-ed.org.

Don't draw conclusions: be purposeful with your arts program

Washington Elementary District undertook a culture shift to reincorporate the arts into the district systemically. Support and partnerships with community arts organizations was critical to its success, according to Tee Lambert, governing board president.

Results of a 2010 study showed 87 percent of Arizona students had access to at least one arts course a week. The study showed low performing schools provided less arts education than high performing schools.

To address this gap, Strengthening Schools through Arts Partnerships called for proposals resulted in four funded partnerships: 

• Avondale Middle School and City of Goodyear Arts and Cultural Commission
• Alhambra High School and the Rag Collection
• Children First Academy and Free Arts
• Morgan Maxwell School and Odaiko Sonora

The projects delivered measurable results that positively impacted student achievement and engagement.

This interactive session asked participants to assess their arts programming and look at ways to creatively fund it. One thought is to use Title I funds. Visit www.arizonatitle1arts.org to learn more about this novel concept.

MECESA offers STEM strategy

The STEM Identity program developed by the Maricopa County Education Service Agency has two goals.

• increase students' achievement and engagement by redesigning course content to develop STEM identity, and
• increase teachers' effectiveness and competence in implementing redesigned course content and instructional practices.

AIA realignment seeks balance

The AIA's realignment means more equal numbers in six conferences, but David Hinds, assistant executive director says the difference in competition will be addressed through scheduling with schools able to play up or down between conferences in non- region games. This allows school districts with teams in different conferences can still play each other. Schedules for football will be decided Jan. 12.

Keynote Speaker, Arizona: land of anomalies and tamales

Arizona’s official state historian Marshall Trimble has also been called the “Will Rogers of Arizona.”  He lived up to that billing by playing his guitar and singing tales about our state.  “I use statistics like a drunk uses a lamp pole… more for support than illumination!”  Marshall shared several interesting statistics and stories of Arizona history along with his philosophy: We are surrounded by beautiful land; We produce good people; and Community life is centered around our schools.

Legislative session is coming: tag, you're it

Geoff Esposito gives members a tutorial on legislative process and how to participate.

Open meeting law: it may not be entertaining, but it is relevant

Chris Thomas of ASBA tells audience members " I can't guarantee you entertainment, but I can provide you relevance" as he provides overview of open meeting law. 

Vail district continues to push technology

Matt Federoff, CIO of Vail schools, reviewed the district's journey in implementing student technology. Vail is a pioneer in the use of technology in education and the classroom. In 2005 it introduced Arizona's first 1:1 high school using district-owned laptops. In 2009, it introduced BYOD (bring your own device) and beginning 2012 it implemented a hybrid model.

The hybrid model incorporates a guided BYOD philosophy model. Families can choose to borrow district devices or bring their own, district-recommended device. Currently 30 percent of families are choosing to purchase and bring their own devices.

The hybrid system addresses the issues of the other models. It reduces the complexity and intensive staff requirements of the traditional 1:1 model and eliminates the broad diversity of device types in the BYOD model.

School buses are WiFi equipped. Business sponsorships keep this cost neutral for the district.

Project Graduation works with 7th & 8th graders two or more years behind

Dysart School District implemented Project Graduation for struggling seventh through ninth graders beginning with seventh graders two or more grade levels behind in math and/or English. Pathways include mandatory summer school after seventh and eighth grade and other counseling and interventions. If parents andstudents do not agree, they do not move on to high school.

When communicating district info, have some fun

Heidi Vega and Mike Barcia from ASBA provide multiple resources for communicating important district information in a fun, interactive, future forward way. In a technology driven age, using gifs, infographics, interactive maps, and apps are necessary in successfully recruiting teachers and increasing student enrollment. Although, Vega states, “all the interactive programs in the world are not going to help you unless you pay attention to analytics”. Instead of guessing what your audience might like, use analytics for strategic, data driven, decision making.

Play reduces conflict

Paul Borg, program director for Playworks in the Creighton district, led an interactive session on Energizing Education through Play. He said implementing play helps reduce conflict on the playground.

Talk at the table

Superintendents Dr. Betsy Hargrove (Avondale Elementary), Dr. Patricia Tate (Osborn Elementary) and Dr. Roger Freeman (Littleton Elementary) lead a table discussion related to Equity Through Immersion, Trust and Understanding with members of the Glendale Elementary School District governing board and Superintendent Joe Quintana. Table Talks handled a variety of topics.

Kids at Hope banks on student success

Dr. Paul Tighe fromthe Mingus Union High School District shared information on Kids at Hope.

Strong 2015 propels ASBA

In his annual address Dr. Tim Ogle, executive director of ASBA, said the organization had a successful year in 2015, representing school boards with one voice. It was the fourth year of growth in programs with 15 superintendent searches, 75 board trainings and enhanced policy services. More than 600 individuals participated in legislative advocacy, with 14,000 emails were sent during last legislative session. In addition, ASBA completed an update of its history. The challenge for future is how ASBA will adapt to change. 

ESSA means vision of local boards will become more critical

Tom Gentzel, executive director for the National School Boards Association, kicked off Friday's general session by elaborating on the new federal initiative Every Student Succeeds Act.

Gentzel told board members that Every Child Succeeds represents a dramatic paradigm shift, providing less federal oversight and more discretion to states. As a result, the importance of local school board vision will be elevated.

Testing, teacher quality, aren't related

Dr. Edward F. Sloat, director of research and accountability for the Dysart Unified District, did a comprehensive two-year validation study of Arizona's teacher evaluation policy framework. He looked at the validity and reliability of evaluating test scores and professional practice to determine teacher instructional quality. He found the policy framework lacks sufficient evidence for making high-stakes, consequential decisions of teacher instructional competence. 

Parents are moving the needle

Parent advocates help change the world of education. How can a district go about recruiting parent advocates? According to Jennifer Johnson and Doreen Zannick from Support Our Schools AZ, it is key to start small with one or two parents, make it personal so there is a reason to speak up, and focus on manageable requests, such as responding to comments on a district or school Facebook page.

Student stories critical to advocacy

As the largest recipient of Impact Aid in the United States, Dr. Robbie Koerperick asks what are we doing to ensure that Impact Aid for Arizona students is fully funded? Reaching out to legislatures continuously and giving voice to the stories of Arizona students is critical in advocacy efforts. 

Sunnyside, police team up for safety

Sunnyside Unified School District (SUSD) and the Tucson Police Department have developed an innovative partnership for collaborative school safety over the past 20+ years. To build this strong relationship, SUSD recommends meeting with local first responders regularly, inviting police officers to non-emergency school and community events, and including emergency responders in safety planning and during emergency drills at schools. "I'm on campus so often now, I've just become part of the school family," said Tucson Police Sgt. William Corrales.

Photo caption: Tucson Police Sgt. William Corrales, SUSD Public Information Director Mary Veres, and SUSD Director of School Safety and Security Frank Morales share a strong collaboration which has resulted in safer schools. 

Demographic changes will continue in Arizona

Arizona State University painted a picture of Arizona's evolving demographics and how it relates to the role education plays in advancing opportunities for Arizona's residents. Currently, one-fifth of Arizona's population is living in poverty and experiencing declining household income.

Access ASU partners with local high school districts to increase the number of Arizona's students prepared to enroll and succeed at ASU. Students and families participate in campus visits and programs that teach families how to navigate the educational process and take an active role in their children's educational success. 

Understanding the labyrinth of Arizona school funding

Brian Mee, Pendergast Elementary School District chief financial officer, helps new board members understand school funding and the laws associated with them. Board members learned how to help districts maintain accountability. Mee shared that Arizona's base formula is one of the most equitable in the country. Additionally they became familiar with the state budget, and learned that education funding had been reduced by $1 billion since 2008.

No way! Arizona education funding among lowest in the nation

ASBA members weren't surprised to hear that Arizona's funding for education continues to be near the lowest in the nation, though they DID chuckle to learn that it was one of the fairest in existence. "We have a very equitable system," said Chris Thomas, ASBA General Counsel and Director of Legal and Policy Services. "They're not adequately funded, but they're equitable."

Education = innovation

Extraordinary education starts with innovation! The teachers your kids talk about, remember and learn the most from are the ones that let their students innovate! This session was all about what it takes to create that type of classroom.

JTEDs at a crossroad

Tina Norton, of the Pima County JTED and the Association for Career Technical Education of Arizona, said Career & Technical Education in Arizona is at a crossroads due to planned $30 million in cuts next school year.
CTE in Arizona provides skills and training to help students move into future career paths in fields that need skilled workers.

JTED is the funding mechanism for CTE in Arizona, she said. Ten percent of CTE students attend on central campuses, with the remainder at satellite programs.

The planned cuts for 16-17 would put CTE funding at its lowest since the 1990s, though enrollment in CTE classes is at its highest, she said. The planned cuts came about due to the myth that JTED students receive double funding, Norton said.
But in fact, programs do not receive  funding for freshmen taking classes and though some students take more than one CTE class, funding is only provided for one class. Overall, though there are 138k students in CTE, funding is only provided for half of those.

Good CTE programs require additional funds for equipment and training for skills needed for certification.

Supporters can learn more at iamcte.org.

It takes a village to support new teachers

Teri Thomsen of Tolleson Union High School District shares how the New Hire Academy support new teachers. New Hire Academy sessions are designed to address where am I and who are you, where do I fit in, how will I succeed, and how will I be supported. 

Understanding 'Gen Z'

Generation Z, (born 1995-2012), is the first to grow up with social media and technology, engaging in platforms that cater to their short attention span, and sharing in the entrepreneurial spirit of millennial innovators. 

Rod Ambrose, Prevention Education Coordinator for Roosevelt Elementary District said Gen Z has different beliefs, learns differently, and thinks more globally than other generations, so educators need to create avenues to support student learning, understanding these kids learn by experience and involvement, rather then being told or shown what to learn. 

5 traits of a visionary leader

Dr. Anthony J. Perkins, superintendent of Gila Bend Unified School District, says if you can do the following five things at a high level, you'll be a strong visionary leader.

1. Have courage: It's OK to be vulnerable and acknowledge your fears.
2. Get out of the box: Try something new and different.
3. Show humility: Great leaders endure what their team is going through. Go up the leadership ladder the right way, so you can relate.
4. Be a nipper: Work hard to keep negativity out of your culture by nipping issues in the bud.
5. Teach: When you learn something new, teach it to someone else. 

Law and school order: Part III, the HR edition

Attorneys specializing in school law led participants in scenario-based conversations surrounding real HR issues districts have faced. Through discussions, knowledge, and experience, attendees problem-solved and provided input on handling situations. This session was a sneak-peak into The Trust's Leadership Academy. 



What is the constitutionality of a backpack search?  Do you have to pay an employee the whole time they are "on call" or just when they are working? These are the types of tough issues that school officials face.

3 really, really, really important tips

ASBA General Counsel/Director of Legal and Policy Services Chris Thomas shared the legal basis for school board service. His words of advice included: 1) Remember that your job is to support the teaching and learning that happens in the classroom; 2) Embrace your role as an advocate for public education in your district and beyond; and 3) Get trained -- ASBA can help!

Ohhhh . . . yummmmmm . . .

"We want to change the way people perceive school nutrition?" said Joe Palmer, Director of Business Operations (fourth from left). Chef Jennifer Gomez did just that by providing attendees with fruit parfaits, while Palmer emphasized his company's unique themed menus, which included Cajun lunches and coffee bars.

The first 100 days

The Governing Board and the New Superintendent...the first 100 days...da..da..da..  A discussion on best practices for establishing a positive and productive partnership to successfully serve a district.

Today, school board members are doing themselves a favor

NAU researcher Nick Clement says a recent study shows that board members who attend ASBA training leads to higher district effectiveness. "It makes a difference," he said.

Casa Grande elementary students can BEE Extraordinary

Administration at Villago Middle School in the Casa Grande Elementary District have discovered the key to motivating students to become excellent students and citizens. The BEE Extraordinary Campaign focuses on cultivating meaningful relationships, using grit as a noun and a verb, finding your "spark" and helping students accept change by turning abstract concepts into concretes. 

Turning hallways into real-world learning centers

Pamela Clark of Coyote Springs shares how classrooms have been transformed at her school. Classrooms and hallways may be empty at times because students are engaged in authentic real-world learning environments. Coyote Springs is shifting learning to produce  21st Century students who are competent in Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity. 

Saddle Mountain goes digital

Saddle Mountain Unified School District leaders discussed the district's "digital conversion" during an interactive session Thursday. Dr. Mark Joraanstad, superintendent, said Saddle Mountain recognized the fact that students today are being prepared for jobs in the 2050s and beyond - so they need exposure to technologies. But the district needed to look at technology equally with content and teacher- and student-needs.

"The devices are tools, but we need to embed it in a culture of caring," Dr. "J" said.

The district's digital offerings include Chromebooks for students and teachers, document cameras, projectors, traveling iPad carts at schools and Google Apps.

The conversion started with a vision, along with a team, a plan and good communication with families. Infrastructure evaluation was critical, as well, he said.

Information about the tools can be found at amiss.me/gafesamr.

Law and school order

Nobody said school law was easy! Superintendents and board members role played through a few vignettes from the three day summer and fall "Law Academies" run by The Trust, a consortium of legal representatives for school districts.

The bell . . . it is GOLDEN

The High School Golden Bell Winner is Morenci High School's Paw Express, a student catering club, created to provide quality lunch options in a remote copper mining town and to give students real world experience in the food service industry. Fourteen percent of the student body participate in the program led by Culinary Arts Instructor Sherry Carbajal. She believes the hands-on learning is key, not only to providing opportunities after high school, but in giving students a sense of pride and family, leading to life-long memories.

The dog days are good days

Since 2001, the all-volunteer HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) teams have responded to the aftermath of crises and disasters ranging from individual traumas to large-scale emergencies. Response teams comfort people after school shootings, hurricanes, fires, accidents, and more. The organization provides comfort free of charge in the time of crisis, and can be reached at 1-877-HOPE-K9s and www.hopeaacr.org. 

New kids on the block

New board members learn about their varied roles and responsibilities.

Your new executive board members

Congratulations to ASBA Treasurer Linda Lyon, President-elect Julie Bacon, and Secretary Lawrence Robinson.

Parents will demand better education funding, keynoter predicts

Claudio Sanchez, a 25-year veteran of education reporting, provided the keynote address Thursday at the ASBA/ASA conference.

Sanchez believes education can provide a "window to the nation's future." His own background set the stage for some of this belief, starting his early years in Sonora Mexico and immigrating to America, where he studied at Northern Arizona University and went on to earn numerous awards for local and national education issues

Through his experience, he gave the audience a set of education predictions for education - largely circling equity issues - in 2016, including:

• There will be more scrutiny by parents and organized parties for better funding and better teachers;
• The Common Core controversy will die down;
• There will be more calls for a common space and conversations between charter schools and traditional public schools;
• Charter schools will become a lead education issue in the presidential race;
• There will be a strong backlash to undocumented students — or " Dreamers" — in higher education, mostly due to the anti-immigration rhetoric;
• The U.S. Supreme Court will ban ethnicity and race in college admissions; and
• Higher education institutions will have to "mobilize to justify the enormous money" students and parents have to borrow.

Mr. Sanchez went on to call on the heroes of education - those in the audience - to rise up those hard working teachers who are "fully invested" in meeting the needs of every single student.

"Teachers are fighting against incredible odds and they are doing an incredible job," he said. "Losing one child is losing one too many."

Teacher of the Year: keep up the good fight

Arizona's 2016 Teacher of the Year Christine Marsh from Scottsdale Unified's Chaparral high School, encourages school board members to keep fighting on behalf of students' and our country's future.

Recognizing media excellence

ASBA Associate Executive Director Tracey Benson presents the Media of Excellence Award to Dennis Welch from KTVK Channel 3 in Phoenix.

Putting the 'fun' in fundamental

Maxine Hill presents the ASBA Black Caucus Reading Contest award to the Governing Board members from the Solomon Elementary School District. Students at Solomon read 900 books.



Students from Verrado High School accept a check that comes with winning the ASBA Black Caucus President's Award.

Nationally recognized, nationally welcomed

NSBA President John Tuttle shares thanks to Arizona school board members for their service to students and their communities.

Picture perfect

Christine Crossen from Red Mountain High School in the Mesa Unified School District is one of the recipients of the Jack Peterson Student Photography Contest.

Senior accomplishment: The Peterson Scholarships

Dr. Jack Peterson presents the Jack Peterson scholarships to high school seniors. 2015 recipients are Jennifer Reyes and Rachel Copeland, both of Washington High School in the Glendale Union High School District; and Taicey Johnson from Antelope High School in the Antelope Union High School District.



Panfilo Contreras presenta the Panfilo H. Contreras scholarships to Jody Fores from Yepiz Nogales High School and Shandies Gorman from Westwood High School.