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.