Month: September 2012

In the News – September 27, 2012

Posted on by Leslie Jacobs

In this edition of In the News:

Is N.O. a Model for America?

Born on the Bayou: A New Model for America
Third Way – September 2012
In this report for the non-partisan think tank Third Way, writer David Osborne examines the turnaround of New Orleans public schools, reviewing the history of the RSD, how the city arrived at what is now a majority-charter school system, and what have been the academic results. Osborne calls our school turnaround “stunning” and “dramatic” and says results in New Orleans “could well shake the foundations of American education.” He also wrote a commentary for Education Week.

New SPS Calculations for 2012-13 School Year

Posted on by Leslie Jacobs

When School Performance Scores (SPS) are released this fall (2012 scores), they will be based on the same formula as in the past, except the score for a failing school increases from 65 to 75.

Next year at this time, however, the 2013 School Performance Scores will be calculated very differently. Here are some of the highlights:

Scale: The simplified scale will run between 150 and 0. (Currently it runs from 200 to 0.)

School Grades: An SPS of 100 will equal an A; an SPS of less than 50 will equal an F.

K-8 Schools:

  • LEAP and iLeap – Schools will not receive points for scores below Basic; English and math test scores will be double weighted for all grades.
  • Attendance – Will not be part of the SPS calculation.

High Schools: The changes in calculating the SPS for high schools are more significant. Continue reading →

In the News – September 10, 2012

Posted on by Leslie Jacobs

In this edition of In the News: 

Democrats vs. Republicans on Education

Republican Education Platform 2012 Emphasizes School Choice, Teacher Accountability
Huffington Post – August 29, 2012
The GOP education platform advocates providing broad education choices to parents and children at the state and local level — whether through charter schools, virtual schools, career and technical education programs, vouchers, or tax credits. The party also advocates an emphasis on STEM subjects, merit pay for teachers, and proper implementation of technology in the classroom to facilitate learning.

Democratic Platform Hails Common Core, Praises Teachers
Education Week – September 4, 2012
In its official platform, the Democratic Party challenges and encourages states to raise their standards so students graduate ready for college or career. Democrats also say they will provide states and communities with the flexibility and resources they need to improve K-12 education. The platform gives teachers significant recognition and praise, but it also refers to the need for carefully crafted teacher evaluation systems. Continue reading →