TEPSA September Newsletter

TEPSA Newsletter

Texas Elementary Principals & Supervisors Association Vol. 65, No. 8

September 2008

inside this issue: Student Council Workshops ...4 Legal Ease ...............................5 C.A.M.P. TEPSA .....................7 TEPSA Membership ........... 8-9 Fall Summit .................... 12-14 Fall District Events ...............15

ELL Math Proficiency High in Elementary

TEPSA highlights:

After Third Grade Students Struggle with Math

Additional information available at www.tepsa.org or 800-252-3621.

According to a recent report on the math achievement of English Language Learners (ELLs), 72 percent of ELLs in Texas were proficient or higher in math in the third grade. However, that proficiency dropped to 22 percent in the eighth grade. The report, compiled by the Pew Hispanic Center, was based on test scores from Texas, California, Florida, New York and Arizona.

These states educate more than 70 percent of the country’s ELL students.

Additional findings: • Of the five states analyzed, the Texas ELL math proficiency gap was the slimmest in elementary school but widest by eighth grade.

See Math Proficiency on page 6

calendar/deadlines

• Fall Student Council Workshops start this month. See page 4 for statewide dates and locations.

• Fall Summit Topic Session Proposals are due by 5pm, September 19. Visit the Fall Summit section at www.tepsa.org.

• Assistant principals and beginning administrators, there is still time to register for C.A.M.P. TEPSA, September 28-30 at the Austin Omni Southpark Hotel.

See page 7.

• Elementary Administrators Law Conference October 29 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. See page 11.

• Fall Summit on RtI - Year 3: Don’t Be Spooked By Tier One! Join us October 30-31 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. See pages 12-14. news quick facts • The projected number of school-age children of immigrants will increase from 12.3 million in 2005 to 17.9 million in 2020.

Currently, about 2.5 percent of public teachers nationally are trained to work with ELLs. See related article to right.

Source: The Role of Schools in the English Language Learner Achievement Gap. (2008, June 26). Pew Hispanic Center. http://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/89.pdf.

TEPSANs Meet With Legislators in D.C. Four Hundred Principals Advocate for Education TEPSA state leaders, along with other school leaders from across the nation, recently converged on Capitol Hill to meet with federal legislators and their aides about the need for an increased and sustained federal investment in education. Principals called for increases to Title I, special education, the School Leadership Program, and a restoration of funds for Reading First. Learn more about Mitzi McAfee, Mark Terry, the visit in the TEPSA SchoolHouse Blog at Celia Layton and Sandi Borden on Capitol Hill www.tepsa.org.

Source: National Association of Elementary School Principals

Fall Summit on RtI: Year Three Strengthen Your Understanding of Tier One Is your school or district looking for innovative ways to meet the challenges of Tier One? Join us at TEPSA’s Fall Summit on RtI: Don’t Be Spooked by Tier One, October 30-31. You’ll discover creative ways to train and support staff in the RtI implementation process. Popular RtI presenters, Mary Barringer and Adam Saenz, will return to offer their insight during Speaker Spotlight Sessions (see pages 12-13). Bring your implementation team as well as any RtI questions you may have for an on-site consultation with Dr. Amanda VanDerHeyden, researcher and national trainer and advisor on RtI. With more than 35 information-packed sessions to choose from, you are bound to return to your campus with a bag full of goodies and treats to help ensure student success.

from the president

“A gigantic TEPSA congratulations to Texas elementary and middle level schools!”

Greetings TEPSA Team Members!

The students are back, school is underway and we have something to brag about. A gigantic TEPSA congratulations to Texas elementary and middle level schools! Once again, you have put your game face on and done the job for children. We are proud of the great number of elementary and middle level school campuses that were Recognized and Exemplary (see related back page article). I know you will be sharing and celebrating these accomplishments with your staff, students, parents and communities but don’t stop there. This is your opportunity to share the wonderful news about the great job elementary and middle level schools are doing and get others involved ‘in the game for kids’.

Last month I talked briefly about making our voice heard as a united TEPSA team. This month I want to offer some suggestions on how you can ‘take it to the hoops’ and make an even greater difference for children.

During the summer, Harley Eckhart, Celia Layton, Andra Penny, Mark Lukert, Mark Terry, Sandi Borden and I journeyed to Washington, D.C., to meet with other state leaders from across this great nation at the annual NAESP-NASSP National Leaders’ Conference. As part of the meeting, we spent a day on Capitol Hill visiting with various Texas legislators. This is the second year that I have been involved with the process and I was no less humbled by the magnitude of our nation’s capitol than I was last year. However, despite the grandeur of this magnificent city, our legislators were approachable. Servant leaders just like you and me, they are in Washington to serve those of us back in Texas, including the children. As we went from office to office, it was reassuring to see that our elected officials and their

staffs were not only familiar with our concerns, they were interested in hearing our stories about real schools and real teachers and real Mitzi McAfee children. They need to hear the TEPSA President good news and concerns from each of you as well.

This year, I encourage you to make it a point to get to know your national, state and local legislators. They are the individuals who are on the teams that decide what educational issues will be debated, reviewed and eventually sent to the floor for a vote.

Our job is to make sure that they are able to make informed decisions because we have shared our successes, our concerns and our stories. Following are some easy ways for you to get involved in this process.

First and foremost, join and become an active member of a professional organization (like TEPSA). Secondly, learn about the congressional men and women who represent you. The TEPSA website has a legislative connection that can provide you assistance in acquiring information and addresses for your legislators. Third, vote and encourage others to register, become informed and vote in the upcoming elections. Fourth, and most importantly, make it a point to share your stories. Invite legislators to your schools. Telephone, write, or email their offices about what is happening at your schools. Invite them to speak or be the honored guest at your local district TEPSA meetings.

By inviting your representatives to be a part of your school team and school activities, I know we will begin to see the difference a group of committed principals can make. Go Team TEPSA... in the Game for Kids.

Coming in the September issue of Instructional Leader: “The Chemistry of a Collaborative Culture”

by Lue Bishop, Ed.D.

See SchoolHouse Blog article on page 6. Not a subscriber? Visit the Publications section at www.tepsa.org.

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TEPSA Newsletter • www.tepsa.org

September 2008

state and national news

New Math and Science Diagnostic System

Rising Price of Fuel Impacts Schools

Assessment System Provided at No Cost

Schools Nationwide Seek Alternatives to High Costs

Starting this month, a new Texas Mathematics and Science Diagnostic System (TMSDS) will be available to Texas schools at no cost. TMSDS, a web-based TEKSaligned diagnostic assessment system for grades 3–8, replaces the Texas Mathematics Diagnostic System (TMDS) and the Texas Science Diagnostic System (TSDS.) Among the new features of the combined system: • Thirty-five TEKS-aligned quizzes per grade • The addition of grade three items and diagnostics in science and an overall increase in the number of mathematics and science items • English and Spanish diagnostics and quizzes • Online math resources for teachers, students, and parents • Expanded teacher and administrator reporting • Classes may be pre-loaded with student names at the district level Source: “Texas Mathematics and Science Diagnostic System (TMSDS).” (2008, August 8). Texas Education Agency. http:// www.tea.state.tx.us/taa/stanalign080808.html.

Nationwide, school and district budgets are feeling the pinch of rising fuel and energy costs. According to a recent survey by the American Association of School Administrators, transportation costs are up as much as 40 percent in the nation’s school districts. Schools are minimizing the impact to budgets in a variety of ways: • 44% of districts are cutting back on field trips • 29% are eliminating or modifying teaching positions • 15% are eliminating bus routes or adjusting extracurricular activities • 15% are considering a four-day school week Source: Toppo, G. (2008, July 29). “Fuel prices force schools to weigh class, staff cuts.” USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/ news/education/2008-07-29-school-fuel_N.htm.

Texas Likely to Appeal Federal Ruling State Ordered to Revamp ELL Programs, Grades 7-12 Texas officials will most likely appeal a federal court order directing the state to revamp programs for English language learners (ELLs) in grades 7-12 by the 2009-2010 school year.

The order, issued this past summer, also instructs the state to improve monitoring of programs for ELLs in all grades. U.S. Senior District Judge William Wayne Justice, who issued the lastest response in the case, had originally ruled in July 2007 that the state was complying with federal law in how it educated ELLs. Source: Zehr, M. A. (2008, July 29). “Federal Court Ruling Prods Texas on ELLs.” Education Week. Vol. 27. No. 45.

Young Minority Population a Majority Number of Minorities Under 20 Years of Age Grows According to a recent study of census figures, in one of four American counties, Hispanic and Asian children constitute a majority of the under-20 population. Overall, 43 percent of Americans under 20 years of age are minorities. Census demographers project that racial and ethnic minorities might constitute a majority of all Americans before 2050.

Source: Roberts, S. (2008, August 6). Minorities Often a Majority of the Population Under 20.” The New York Times. www.nytimes.com.

September 2008

Drop in Texas Lottery Ticket Sales Education Fund May Be Affected For the first time in four years, the Foundation School Fund, under the direction of the Texas Education Agency (TEA), may see a drop in revenue from Texas lottery sales.

The Texas Lottery Commission reported a decline in 2008 sales totaling about $92 million from the same period in 2007.

Lottery sales have contributed $10 billion to education since 1997. According to TEA the lottery contribution represents a small portion of the Foundation School Fund - $1 billion per year since 2004.

Source: (2008, July 11). “Education funding to drop for first time in four years.” Strategic Partnerships, Inc. Texas Government Insider. Vol. 6. No. 28.

Improving Special Ed. Teacher Training Increase Number of Highly Qualified Teachers Twenty universities have received grants from the U.S. Department of Education to revamp their special education teacher-preparation programs. The grants are the first of what will be five-year projects at the chosen universities. Changes to teacher-training programs could be in place as early as this fall.

The No Child Left Behind standards of “highly qualified” have been difficult for some special education teachers to meet, in part because many teacher-training programs for special educators focus primarily on teaching methods.

Source: Samuels, C. A. (Published Online: August 4, 2008).

“Education Dept. Awards Grants to Improve Special Education Training.” Vol. 27. No. 45.

TEPSA Newsletter • www.tepsa.org

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state and national news

Texas Principals Return from Harvard

Green Education Sweeping Country

Principals Share Their Learning Via Blog

Students Learning to Reduce Carbon Footprint

More than 100 principals attended Summer Institutes at the Harvard Graduate School of Education through the Raise Your Hand Texas Leadership Program. During the Institute, the Texas principals learned from national and international experts in the fields of education and leadership. Raise Your Hand Texas covered the full cost of the program, including tuition, travel, room and board, and incidentals. TEPSA congratulates all members who were chosen to participate in one of four Institutes. Principals share their experiences at Harvard via a Leadership Program Blog on the Raise Your Hand Texas website. Visit www.tepsa.org for a link.

Source: Raise Your Hand Texas

U.S. policymakers are cuing into schools’ growing interest in environmental education. This past summer, members of a key House committee approved a bill that would provide funding to help states develop “green” lessons and train teachers. The National Environmental Education Foundation is one of many organizations partnering with schools to promote environmental education through curricula and other projects to help students and educators reduce their carbon footprint on earth. Please visit the Resources/ Health, Family, Nutrition, Physical Education section at www.tepsa.org for additional links on environmentally-friendly schools.

Source: King, L. (2008, August 8). “Environmental education gets a green light.” USA Today. www.USAToday.com.

Georgia Rethinks Single-Gender District Smaller Pilot Program Starts in January

Horace Mann Abraham Lincoln Fellowship

A Georgia county has revamped a controversial plan to become the country’s first entirely single-sex school district. After parents and community members protested, the district decided to focus on a few classrooms. Third-graders in the rural county’s two elementary schools will have the choice of attending a few single-gender classes starting in January. About 30 percent the 139 third-graders have signed up for the pilot program.

Source: Georgia school district scales back gender plan.

(2008, August 7). The Telegraph. http://www.macon.com/198/ story/424852.html.

Applications Accepted Until February 12, 2009 The Horace Mann Abraham Lincoln Fellowship is accepting applications for the 2009 Institute until February 12.

The program is open to any full-time teacher, grades K-12, of any discipline in the U.S. The five-day Institute will take place summer of 2009 in Springfield, Illinois. The award includes round-trip transportation, lodging and most meals. Teachers must submit their application online. Visit the News section at www.tepsa.org for a link.

Source: Horace Mann

l i c n u o C t n e d u t S Good for the student body!

Register your student leaders and advisors today at www.tepsa.org.

Fall 2008 Workshop Schedule Northside ISD (San Antonio) North East ISD (San Antonio) Spring La Joya Harlingen Port Lavaca Georgetown El Paso McKinney Frisco Irving Fort Worth

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Sept. 22 & 26 Sept. 24 Sept. 30 Oct. 2 Oct. 3 Oct. 7 Oct. 9 Oct. 10 Oct. 14 Oct. 15 Oct. 15 Oct. 17

Del Rio Coppell Region 12 (Hamilton/Waco) Highland Park Holy Trinity (Houston) Richmond Paris Longview Corpus Christi Wichita Falls Midland

Lea der ‘Я’ U s s

Oct. 21 Oct. 23 Oct. 23 Oct. 24 Oct. 28 Oct. 29 Oct. 29 Oct. 30 Oct. 31 Nov. 4 Nov. 7

TEPSA Newsletter • www.tepsa.org

September 2008

legal ease

Do I Have to Get Between Mom and Dad? A Brief Look at Family Law for Campus Administrators Have you ever had parents of a student at your school disagree about what is in the best interest of their child – with each parent looking to you to implement their demands?

Have you ever felt like you were in the middle of a custody battle, Kevin Lungwitz Outside General Counsel when all you would like to do is be the instructional leader of the campus? Very difficult situations may arise when parents disagree on educational decisions of their children (including who can pick the child up after school!) and often school employees are placed in the middle. Let’s review some family law basics for campus administrators.

school activities; the right to attend school activities; and the right to be designated on the child’s records as a person to be notified in the case of emergency. Usually, both parents (whether managing, possessory, or joint conservators) will have these rights.

Again, these should be spelled out in the court order; otherwise the parent does not retain the right.

Possession and Access – This sets out who has visitation and access to the child, and on what days and times. We look to the “conservatorship” part of the court order to see who has rights to make certain decisions for the child. We look to the “possession and access” part of the order to see who can have possession of the child, and when. These two sections can become intertwined in practice because some parental rights only exist when the parent has possession of the child.

You are not expected to be a judge or a divorce lawyer, but you should know how to read a court order.

Conservatorship – This part of the order sets out the rights and duties of each parent. A divorce decree or custody order will specify “conservatorship” of the child. Usually, one parent will be a “sole managing conservator” (the parent with greater rights), and the other parent a “possessory conservator” (the parent with visitation rights); or both parents will be “joint managing conservators.” Although the term “joint managing conservators” might seem like the parents have equal, coexisting rights, that is rarely the case. The term “joint managing conservators” is frequently used to settle custody and divorce battles, but it rarely means the parents share all of the rights to the child.

I mention all of this only because you will see “conservatorship” language in a court order - but don’t be confused by the terminology. Just remember this: Parental rights to make educational decisions for their child (among other significant rights such as the right to establish the primary residence of the child) should be spelled out in the court order; otherwise the parent does not retain the right. So, in the divorce decree or custody order (usually in the “conservatorship” section) look to see which parent has the right to make educational decisions for the child. This is the parent with whom you can deal to make educational decisions for the child. This will often be one of the most hard-fought issues in a divorce case making it very unusual in a divorce decree or custody order that both parents will have this right.

Once you identify the parent who has the right to make educational decisions, can you ignore the other parent? No. Making educational decisions for the child is separate and apart from other education-related rights, such as the right to access the child’s educational records; the right to consult with school officials concerning the child’s welfare, educational status, and

Mom and dad are separated, but not divorced. There is no court order. They disagree about the educational decisions of their child. Who do you listen to?

Parents who disagree when there is no court order pose a real problem for school officials. Since divorces or custody battles may take months if not years to finalize, who has authority in the interim? The answer is: Both parents have an independent right to make educational decisions, unless and until there is a court order in place. If they disagree, school officials should collaborate and reach consensus as to which course of action to take, taking into consideration each parent’s wishes and the child’s best interest. You will not be able to please both parents in this instance, so you must make your best professional judgment call.

Since divorce or custody battles may take a long time to resolve, “temporary orders” are often put in place by the court early in the litigation to avoid this awkward time period when everyone is waiting for the final order. Parents would be well advised to get temporary orders in place while waiting on the final divorce decree or custody order.

September 2008

Dad has the right to pick up the child on Wednesdays. Dad writes a note saying mom can pick up the child this Wednesday. Can you let the child go with Mom? Yes, unless the court order specifies that Mom may never have access to the child. Otherwise, court orders usually provide that parents may agree when to possess the child, and in the absence of the agreement, the possession schedule in the court order will be followed. School officials are wise to get permission in writing from the possessory parent (in this example, Dad) before releasing the child to the non-possessory parent (in this example, Mom).

Continued on page 6

TEPSA Newsletter • www.tepsa.org

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legal ease continued from page 5

schoolhouse blog

The Chemistry of Collaboration Same as above, except Dad writes a note saying his new girlfriend “Boopsie” will pick up the child this Wednesday. Can you release the child to “Boopsie?”

Probably. Most court orders say that either parent may designate a competent adult to pick up and return the child. Assuming this language is in the order and assuming Boopsie is a competent adult, the court order would not be violated by allowing Boopsie to take the child.

In conclusion, look to the court order to determine which parent has what rights, and when. Your campus should have a procedure in place requiring parents to provide court orders, and to list which non-parents can pick up the child from school.

Each campus should keep these court orders on file in a manner that allows you to easily find and consult the order should issues arise.

Note: Information from Legal Ease is believed to be correct upon publication, but is not warranted and should not be considered legal advice. Please contact TEPSA or your school district attorney before taking any legal action, as specific facts or circumstances may cause a different legal outcome. Archives of past columns are available in the Member Center at www.tepsa.org.

Math Proficiency continued from page 1 • More than 90 percent of Texas ELLs attended schools with five or more ELLs per grade.

• The overwhelming majority of ELLs who take the math assessment tests in these five states tend to be in low-achieving public schools.

• In both elementary grades and middle school grades in these states, ELL students are much less likely than white students to score at or above the proficient level in mathematics.

View the full report, “The Role of Schools in the English Language Learner Achievement Gap” via a link in the News section at www.tepsa.org.

Sources: The Role of Schools in the English Language Learner Achievement Gap. (2008, June 26).

Pew Hispanic Center. http://pewhispanic.org/files/ reports/89.pdf.

Tillman, L. (2008, July 5). “Report: ELL students struggle with math after third grade.” Valley Morning Star.

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Improve Teaching and Learning on Your Campus Building a strong team, working together, collaboration…buzzwords we’ve all heard, but what do they mean? In the September issue of Instructional Leader Dr. Lue Bishop shares her secrets in The Chemistry of a Collaborative Culture.

Using the positively charged IONS of collaboration, Bishop reminds us that “collaboration is about educators working together to improve teaching and learning for the purpose of improving student achievement.” Making collaboration meaningful and purposeful requires: DirectION – Knowing where we are and where we want to be in the future.

ContributION – Being dedicated to the groups’ success, sharing with others and being open to ideas.

CommunicatION – Allowing reflection on varying points of view.

InnovatION – Seeing situations from multiple perspectives, discovering the deeper underlying issues.

ResolutION – Discovering the obstacles whose solutions will move group progress toward collaborative resolution.

ActION – Seeking new opportunities for growth.

Collaboration begins with the school leader. What does a collaborative principal do?

1. Serve as a role model for collaboration. Build relationships with staff around the IONs of collaboration and reflect on the results of their efforts.

2. Articulate a clear vision. Demonstrate the power of teamwork in setting goals.

3. Provide leadership training and mentoring. Develop a systemic process to provide necessary training and mentoring that supports the IONs of collaboration.

4. Develop structures and resources. Time, budgets and resources are necessary to sustain a true culture of collaboration.

Find the Collaboration Rubric, preview additional reading materials and read the full article, The Chemistry of Collaboration, in the Instructional Leader section at www.tepsa.org.

Learn more from Bishop during C.A.M.P. TEPSA (see next page). A featured speaker, she will present two sessions: Leadership C.A.M.P. Check In: Getting Fired Up! and Leadership C.A.M.P. Check Out: Keeping the Fire Burning.

w w w. t e p s a . o r g • Access the latest education news 24/7 • Instantly renew your 2008-2009 membership • Connect with TEPSANs via the SchoolHouse Blog

TEPSA Newsletter • www.tepsa.org

September 2008

C.A.M.P. TEPSA

agenda

Sunday, September 28 3:30 – 4:30PM Registration 4:30 – 7:30PM Leadership C.A.M.P. Check In: Getting Fired Up!

September 28-30, 2008 Austin Omni Southpark Hotel

featured speakers

Leadership C.A.M.P. Check In: Getting Fired Up! Dr. Lue Bishop, Professional Coach, Coaching Principals Discover the leadership fire power within you and pack your SurTHRIVING kit for successful leadership.

Administrator Legal Review 101 Kevin Lungwitz, Attorney, Lungwitz & Lungwitz, P.C. TEPSA legal counsel Kevin Lungwitz shares a comprehensive legal update to help clarify all the things you should know but are afraid to ask.

Leadership C.A.M.P. Check Out: Keeping the Fire Burning Dr. Lue Bishop, Professional Coach, Coaching Principals With your SurTHRIVING kit for leadership all packed and ready to go, there’s just one thing left to do…figure out how to keep YOUR fire burning!

Pay It Forward Dr. Debbie Silver, Consultant Humorist and former educator Debbie Silver celebrates you for “paying it forward” to ensure the best environment for all students.

Monday, September 29 7:30 – 8AM Coffee 8 – 9:30AM Topic Sessions 9:30 – 10AM Morning Break & Leadership C.A.M.P. Team Challenges 10 – 11:30AM Administrator Legal Review 101 11:45AM – 1PM Lunch & Table Talk 1 – 2:30PM Topic Sessions 3 – 4PM Leadership C.A.M.P. Check Out: Keeping the Fire Burning Tuesday, September 30 7:30 – 8AM Coffee 8 – 9:30AM The Voices of Experience 10 – 11:45AM Pay It Forward!

hotel information Omni Southpark Hotel 512-448-2222

Register online at www.tepsa.org.

registration Registration includes Monday’s lunch

Member $202 Nonmember $262 Join & Go - Includes conference registration and

2008-09 TEPSA Comprehensive Membership - $554

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TEPSA Newsletter • www.tepsa.org

SNL 7

School’s in session.

Wish the job came with a magic wand?

There’s always TEPSA membership: • Professional liability insurance • Discounts on professional development • The latest in education news and research • Important information delivered straight to your desktop via the Schoolhouse Blog, email alerts and publications • Legislative representation at the state and federal levels Payment plans available. Renew your membership at www.tepsa.org today.

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September 2008

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TEPSA 2008-2009 Membership Application Mail: TEPSA, PO Box 140843, Austin, TX 78714-0843 Online: www.tepsa.org Fax: (512) 478-1502 The membership year is September 1- August 31.

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NAESP news

current research and resources

Increasing Texas NAESP Membership

Girls’ Math Skills On Par with Boys

There’s Still Time to Join NAESP and TEPSA!

From Grades 2-11 Girls Do as Well as Boys on Tests

TEPSA state leaders were on hand to receive the Goal Buster Award for NAESP membership in Washington, D.C. While TEPSA met the membership goal last year, we hope to increase this coming year’s membership in NAESP. There’s still time to join both the national and state association - please visit www.tepsa.org today!

A new study which looked at girls’ math skills shows that they do as well as boys on math tests in grades 2-11. For the Class of 2007, boys averaged 533 on the math portion of the SAT while girls averaged 499. Increased numbers of girls are taking advanced math courses in high school and women are now earning 48 percent of undergraduate college degrees in math.

Source: Quaid, L. (2008, July 30). “Schoolgirls’ math skills now measuring up to boys.” Associated Press.

The Puzzle of Autism Available Online Guide Suggests Effective Classroom Strategies Download the National Education Association’s “The Puzzle of Autism” for ideas on effective classroom strategies for improving the communication, sensory, social and behavioral skills of children diagnosed with autism. Additional information and resources on autism are included in the guide’s appendix. Visit the News section at www.tepsa.org for a link.

Source: The Puzzle of Autism. (2006). National Education Association. www.nea.org.

TEPSA and NAESP leaders with Goal Buster Award: (Fom left to right - back row) Harley Eckhart, TEPSA; Andra Penny, Ph.D., Coppell ISD; Deborah Ayers-Geist, Zone 8 Director; Mark Lukert, Coppell ISD; Deborah Harvest, NAESP Foundation; Mark Terry, Carroll ISD; Al Michelson, NAESP. (From left to right - front row): Celia Layton, Pasadena ISD; Mitzi McAfee, Calhoun County ISD; Mary Kay Sommers, NAESP Past-President; and Sandi Borden, TEPSA.

Seeking everyday super heroes.

You: fearless champion for Texas school children who elevates the principalship to new heights, able to leap daily school challenges in a single bound TEPSA: 5300 members strong and growing, celebrating Texas PreK-8 super school leaders through multiple opportunities Learn more about TEPSA’s Honors program at www.tepsa.org including: • National Distinguished Principals Program • H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards (in partnership) • TEPSA Assistant Principals of the Year • TEPSANs of the Year 10

TEPSA Newsletter • www.tepsa.org

September 2008

LEGAL DIGEST 4TH ANNUAL TEPSA FALL SUMMIT PRE-CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION LAW FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS Wednesday, October 29, 2008 8:30 am to 3:20 pm • Registration begins at 7:30 am

THE WOODLANDS WATERWAY MARRIOTT • WOODLANDS, TEXAS Produced in partnership with the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA), this conference will focus on legal issues of particular interest to Elementary School Principals, Supervisors and Administrators, as well as school personnel directors, attorneys and board members.

CONFERENCE TOPICS & SPEAKERS INCLUDE: SPECIAL EDUCATION ISSUES FOR THE PRINCIPAL Jim Walsh – Walsh Anderson, Brown, Schulze & Aldridge, P.C. WHAT PRINCIPALS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE PROCESS Kevin Lungwitz – Lungwitz & Lungwitz, P.C. REASSIGNMENTS: WHAT’S LEGALLY PERMISSIBLE Kaye Dewalt– Adams & Reese, LLP

ATTORNEY QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE BY STUDENTS: THE LEGAL ISSUES Carrie Galatas – Conroe ISD WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE FACED WITH PARENT COMPLAINTS AND THREATS OF LAWSUITS Merri Schneider-Vogel– Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP

TEPSA - LEGAL DIGEST CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION LAW FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS Complete Conference Agenda available at www.legaldigest.com To register, complete the form below and return with payment or purchase order to the LEGAL DIGEST For each person registering, please list name and email address. For additional attendees, attach a list of names and email addresses.

NAME ____________________________________________________ EMAIL _________________________________________ FEE* ________ NAME ____________________________________________________ EMAIL _________________________________________ FEE* ________ NAME ____________________________________________________ EMAIL _________________________________________ FEE* ________ Please provide email address to receive order confirmation.

REGISTRATION FEE AMOUNT*: TEPSA MEMBER-LD SUBSCRIBER NON-TEPSA MEMBER-LD SUBSCR.

Early Registration by 9/28/08: $149/person Early Registration by 9/28/08: $189/person

Reg. Registration after 9/28/08: $174/person Reg. Registration after 9/28/08: $214/person

SCHOOL AND DISTRICT / TOTAL ENCLOSED: $______________ CO-OP OR FIRM _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS ____________________________________________________CITY / STATE/ZIP _________________________________________ PHONE ______________________________________________________P.O.# _______________________________________________ Charge to:

MasterCard

Visa

Name and billing address of credit card holder:

Account Number ___________________________ Exp. Date ___________Name ___________________________________________________ Signature___________________________________________Address/CityState/Zip _________________________________________________ MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: LEGAL DIGEST

MAIL TO: LEGAL DIGEST 1601 Rio Grande, Ste. 441, Austin, TX 78701

EARLY REGISTRATION IS ADVISED

FAX: (512) 495-9955 only with purchase order or credit card

All cancellations before October 22, 2008 are subject to a $20.00 processing fee. No refunds or cancellations will be accepted after October 22, 2008. Fee includes conference workbook, continental breakfast and refreshment breaks.

For additional information, visit our website at www.legaldigest.com, email (inquiries only) at conferences@legaldigest.com, call the LEGAL DIGEST at 512-478-2113, or fax 512-495-9955.

SAVE BY REGISTERING ONLINE AT WWW.LEGALDIGEST.COM September 2008 TEPSA Newsletter • www.tepsa.org

11

Trick or treat in the Exhibit Hall and other event goodies!

General Session Speakers will give you chills - prepare to be inspired!

• More than 35 information-packed seminars (see sample topics at www.tepsa.org) • District gatherings • Door prizes and the latest educational products and services in the exhibit hall • Registration includes two meals

Haunted Hotel Information The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center 1601 Lake Robbins Drive The Woodlands, Texas 281-367-9797 $165 Single, $179 Double Cut-off date: October 7, 2008

How to Reach and Teach All Students Elizabeth Breaux, Consultant and Author Discover real-life, down-to-earth, common sense strategies for reaching and teaching all students, all of the time, regardless of subject matter, grade or ability level.

Dreams Really Do Come True Jim Johnson, Nationally Recognized Basketball Coach Explore the spirit of teamwork including challenges and group dynamics.

Return to your campus ready to mold a team with the potential for greatness.

RtI: Addressing Real-Life Challenges to Implementation Dr. George Batsche, Ed.D., NCSP, University of South Florida Psychology Professor Learn to overcome the difficult challenge of ensuring an intense focus on effective Tier One instruction, as supplemental and intensive interventions will only be as successful as core academic and behavior instruction.

www.tepsa.org Get more creepy details and register online at

Earrly birdd saaves $2 Ear 25 5 - register beefore fore October 2 2!! strengthen your D understanding of Tier One and the general are to join us and

education classroom. Frightfully informative sessions will make your skin crawl in a good way!

You’ll return to your campus screaming with good ideas and no longer horrified by the ghosts of RtI.

Fall Summit on RtI 12

Year 3: Don't Be Spooked by Tier One!

TEPSA SA Newsletter • www www.tepsa.org tepsa org

September Septemb 2008

Spotlight Sessions will have you howling at the moon!

Mary Barringer will present: Effective RtI Implementation Part 1: Who Can Do What?

Learn how real Texas schools are utilizing special education and general education professionals to create efficient and cost-effective RtI models.

Effective RtI Implementation Part 2: How Can We Fit it All In? Explore key issues to be addressed in scheduling for RtI using examples from effective RtI programs.

Effective RtI Implementation: Top 10 Perils and Pitfalls Practical advice to help you avoid the most common mistakes made in implementing RtI. Andrea Ogonosky will present: RtI Team Decision Making Using Assessment and Teacher Documentation Discover a framework for team implementation of Tier One processes that will effectively support the RtI campus intervention system.

Pulling it Together: Tier One Interventions Examine an RtI framework proven effective for implementing Tier One assessments and interventions and tying together all those loose ends.

Kim Gibbons will present: Implementing and Evaluating Quality Indicators of Tier One Programming Implement the five elements of schoolwide organization that contribute to effectiveness in Tier One.

Elizabeth Breaux will present: Real Life Teaching: Make It Real and They Will Come Discover the strategies your teachers and campus need to make learning real and engage your students!

Designing Effective Problem Solving Teams Set up efficient building-level problem solving teams designed to solve general education problems.

Managing To Teach: How to Maximize Teaching Success Help teachers manage their classroom environment in a way that ensures engaged student learning.

The Secrets to RtI Survival from a 13-Year Veteran Implementer Focus on training efforts, frequently asked questions and common problems.

Adam Saenz will present: Behavior Management at Tier One: What to Do, How to Do It, and What Will Stop You Learn to interpret and make decisions based on universal screening data for behavior. Examine how differentiated instruction and staff dynamics impact behavior.

Amanda VanDerHeyden will present: Recipe for RtI Success: The Ingredients and All the Secrets - Part 1 Plan and implement universal screening in reading and math; identify schoolwide, gradewide, and classwide learning problems. Part 2, an in-depth Q & A session will follow.

Ask an Expert: On-site Team Consultation Bring your implementation team, as well as any RtI questions you may have for an on-site consultation with Dr. Amanda VanDerHeyden, researcher and national trainer and advisor on RtI.

Donna Vanderweide will present: Engage, Enthrall, Entice: 10 Tried and True Strategies for Successful Tier One Instruction Make learning more hands-on and strengthen core instruction on your campus.

Differentiated Math Adds Up Ceate a math lab atmosphere in your classrooms by experiencing numerous strategies for differentiated math. Session for K-2 and 3-5.

Thank you partners!

Schedule Wednesday October O Wednesday, 29 5 – 6 pm Fall Summit Registration Thursday, October 30 7:30 am – 4:30pm Registration 8:15 – 9:45 am Opening General Session 9:30 am – 3:30 pm Academic Marketplace Open 10 – 11:30 am Spotlight Sessions 11:30 – 1 pm Lunch & Visit Academic Marketplace 1 – 2:30 pm Spotlight Sessions 2:30 – 3:30 pm Visit Academic Marketplace 3:30 – 4:30 pm Spotlight Sessions 4:30 – 6 pm District Gatherings Friday, October 31 7:30 am – Noon 8 – 9:30 am 9:45 – 10:45 am 11 am – 12:30 pm September 2008

Information Desk Breakfast & Second General Session Best Practices Seminar Closing General Session TEPSA Newsletter • www.tepsa.org

13

Fall Summit on RtI

Register be fore October 2 and save! www.tepsa .org

Year 3: Don't Be Spooked by Tier One!

Texas Elementar Elementary Principals Princi als and Supervisors Su ervisors Association As A October 30-31, 2008 • The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Registration

❏ Member $220 ($195 before October 2) ❏ Join & Go - includes conference registration and

❏ Nonmember $313 ($288 before October 2 ❏ Aspiring Administrator $70 (Includes two meals)

2008-09 TEPSA Comprehensive Membership - $572 ($547 before October 2)

MEMBER NUMBER

NAME

JOB TITLE

SCHOOL NAME

SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL ADDRESS

CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

(

)

SCHOOL PHONE NUMBER

HOME ADDRESS

(

CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

)

HOME PHONE NUMBER

PREFERRED EMAIL

Opening Day Lunch (included in registration fee): Keynote Breakfast (included in registration fee):

❏ I will attend. ❏ I will attend.

❏ I will not attend. ❏ I will not attend.

Please contact Joni Carlson (joni@tepsa.org) if you have special dietary needs.

Payment ❏ Check - Amount Enclosed $________________ ❏ Purchase Order #________________________ ❏ MasterCard CREDIT CARD NUMBER

Amount $__________________

❏ Visa NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CREDIT CARD

$ EXPIRATION DATE

AMOUNT

SIGNATURE

Note: Registration refund requests will be taken until October 17, 2008. A $75 processing fee will be charged. No refunds after this date.

Return to: TEPSA • PO Box 140843 Austin, TX 78714-0843 • Fax 512-478-1502 14

TEPSA Newsletter • www.tepsa.org

SNL September 2008

Board of Directors

fall district events district 1

Executive Committee

Mitzi McAfee, Calhoun County ISD ......................................President Andra Penny, Ph.D., Coppell ISD.................................President-Elect Scott Hollinger, Ed.D., IDEA Public Schools ......... First Vice President Sharon Wright, Plainview ISD ............................Second Vice President Scot Clayton, Henrietta ISD ................................................... Secretary Mark Lukert, Coppell ISD .................................NAESP Representative Mark Terry, Carroll ISD............... NAESP Middle Level Representative Celia Layton, Pasadena ISD .............................................Past President Sandi Borden, .............................................TEPSA Executive Director Gary Miller, Denton ISD, 940-369-4600 .............................. Advocacy Mary Johnston, Carroll ISD, 817-949-4600...Membership, Marketing & PR Chris Goodson, Richardson ISD, 469-593-8805 .. Programs & Services Karen Bessette, Randolph Field ISD, 210-357-2339.Sp. Committee on Elections District Presidents

district 2

district 3

district 4

district 5

district 7

For additional information about TEPSA meetings in your area, please contact your district president below. A complete listing of district officers is available in the Member Center section of www.tepsa.org.

Karen Meadors, Sharyland ISD, 956-928-1063 .......................... Dist 1 Victoria Smith, Ed.D., Corpus Christi ISD, 361-994-3664........ Dist 2 Dwana Finster, Calhoun County ISD, 361-785-3511 ................ Dist 3 Susan Parks, Katy ISD, 281-237-6600 ........................................ Dist 4 Melanie Nuñez, Hardin-Jefferson ISD, 409-981-6410 ................ Dist 5 Stacy Bennett, Huntsville ISD, 936-439-1200 ............................ Dist 6 Vernessa Gentry, Longview ISD, 903-758-8353 ......................... Dist 7 Carey Malone, North Lamar ISD, 903-737-2061 ....................... Dist 8 Gregory Melton, Graham ISD, 940-549-2442............................ Dist 9 Patty Notgrass, Irving ISD, 972-273-6700 ............................... Dist 10 James King, Everman ISD, 817-568-3500 ................................ Dist 11 Kelly Dunn, Lampasas ISD, 512-556-2152 .............................. Dist 12 Lauri Schroeder, Hays CISD, 512-268-8439............................ Dist 13 Stacy Evans, Abilene ISD, 325-690-3666 .................................. Dist 14 Cindy Lee, San Angelo ISD, 325-947-3917 .............................. Dist 15 Janet Word, Childress ISD, 940-937-2165 ................................ Dist 16 Rodney Caddell, Levelland ISD, 806-894-6255 ....................... Dist 17 Patricia Bennett, Coahoma ISD, 432-394-4323 ....................... Dist 18 Chelaine Marion, Socorro ISD, 915-937-8503 ......................... Dist 19 Eliseo Rodriguez, Edgewood ISD, 210-444-8050..................... Dist 20 TEPSA districts coincide with regional education service center boundaries.

district 9

district 11

district 12

district 14

district 16

district 17

district 18

district 19

district 20

October 9 @ 8:30am Cimarron Country Club, Mission Speaker: Sandi Borden October 9 @ 8:30am TBD, Laredo Speaker: Harley Eckhart September 30 @ 6:30pm Joe’s Crab Shack, Corpus Christi Speaker: Harley Eckhart September 18 @ 11:30am Location TBD, Victoria Speakers: Mark Terry, Harley Eckhart October 2 @ 4:30pm Region 4 ESC, Houston Speaker: Marcy Cook, Harley Eckhart September 25 @ 11:30am Catfish Cabin, Lumberton Speaker: Sandi Borden October 16 @ 11am Cace’s Seafood & Steakhouse, Longview Speaker: Harley Eckhart October 1 @ 9am Region 9 ESC, Wichita Falls Speaker: Sandi Borden October 21 @ 11am TBD, Killeen Speaker: Sandi Borden September 11, TBD TBD, Killeen Speaker: Trae Kendrick November 12 @ 8:45am Region 14 ESC, Abilene Speaker: Sandi Borden October 8 @ 11am Region 16 ESC, Amarillo Speaker: Trae Kendrick September 25@ 11am Lakeridge Country Club, Lubbock Speaker: Anita Jiles October 2 @ 10am Midland Country Club, Midland Speaker: Sandi Borden September 22 @ 8am Location TBD, El Paso Speaker: Sandi Borden October 28 @ 11:30am Alamo Café, San Antonio Speakers: Dr. John Folks, Sandi Borden

TEPSA Newsletter Published monthly except July and December by Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association. Subscription fee is included in TEPSA membership dues. Postage paid at Austin, Texas.

Articles may be reproduced by TEPSA members without written request, provided that duplication is for an educational purpose at a nonprofit institution; copies are available without charge; and each copy includes full citation of the source.

Texas Elementary Principals & Supervisors Association 501 East 10th Street Austin, TX 78701 512-478-5268 800-252-3621 Fax: 512-478-1502 www.tepsa.org September 2008

Staff Sandi Borden ...........................................................Executive Director Joni Carlson .....................................................Director of Conventions Cecilia Cortez de Magallanes ...................... Publications Coordinator Harley Eckhart .........................................Associate Executive Director Pat Hawkins ................................... Director of Governance & Exhibits Ann Hopkins .........Membership & Standing Committees Coordinator Kirsten Hund ........................................................Director of Programs Anita Jiles ............................... Marketing & Communications Director Ken Jones ............................................................................. Controller Trae Kendrick, Ed.D. ....................................... Chief Learning Officer Elizabeth Kernan .................................Receptionist & Office Assistant Callie Low ............................. Events, Exhibits & Governance Assistant Louis Silvas ......................................................................... Webmaster

TEPSA Newsletter • www.tepsa.org

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PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Austin, Texas Permit No. 127

TEPSA Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association

501 E. 10th Street • Austin, TX 78701 512-478-5268 • 800-252-3621 F: 512-478-1502 • www.tepsa.org

ster for i g e r o t r till time page 7 o e There’s s e S .

A TEPS C.A.M.P. sa.org. p e t . w w w visit

The closer you get, the better they look!

Additional Information A majority (85%) of the 996 schools rated Exemplary are elementary schools (846), with the remainder distributed among 40 high schools, 87 middle schools, and 23 multi-level schools.

Additionally: • 2,145 elementaries earned Recognized • 1,116 elementaries earned Academically Acceptable • 657 campuses are Not Rated • 36 of the 43 Exemplary districts are very small (total enrollment less than 500), and 56% are rural (24 of the 43) Approximately 44% of Recognized districts have 30% or more minority students enrolled; 63% have 40% or more economically disadvantaged students.

Source: Texas Education Agency

Majority of Elementary Schools, Exemplary Growing Number of Texas Schools Earn Highest Ratings Recently released preliminary accountability ratings show that a growing number of school districts and campuses earned the state’s highest ratings in 2008. According to the results from the Texas Education Agency: • Forty-three school districts and 996 campuses earned Exemplary ratings; up from 27 districts and 643 schools in 2007. Exemplary ratings are earned when all student groups on the campus or in the district scored 90 percent or higher on all subject areas of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS).

• Recognized, the state’s second highest rating, was earned by 328 districts and 2,815 schools. In 2007, 217 districts and 2,354 were Recognized.

• Because a greater number of schools and districts rated higher, there was a decrease over 2007 in the numbers of Academically Acceptable districts and campuses.

• The number of districts and campuses earning the lowest rating also dropped. Mathematics and science continued to be the most common reasons for earning Academically Unacceptable.

Final ratings will be released in October.

Source: “More districts and campuses earn exemplary rating.” (2008, August 1). Texas Education Agency.