ENSC Weekly Notes - August 12, 2013
Welcome Back to School
I was able to take about ten days off this summer to relax. Instead of taking a trip somewhere, we stayed home to do a little work on the house in preparation for a big event. Our family grew from five to six this summer as Zack got married July 27. He and Andrea planned a very nice, small wedding for our immediate families. It was a wonderful day and we are very proud and excited to have Andrea in our family. She is a wonderful person who takes good care of Zack (and keeps him in line when needed).
Thank You
Common Core, ISTEP Results, and School Grades
- Standards - While the state continues to discuss the future of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in Indiana schools, we will continue to implement the CCSS into our curriculum. Superintendent Glenda Ritz does support the CCSS but has requested Indiana withdraw from the PARCC Assessment system. If the State continues the path of the CCSS, it appears, they will look for a different assessment system or developer.
- ISTEP - As you have all read and heard, the online disruptions to ISTEP testing had no significant impact to overall results. This is according to the expert that was hired by the state. We will never know if, in fact, the disruptions had any kind of impact as we will never know how well students would have done if there were no disruptions.
- School Grades - The last we heard, school grades may be released in November. This late date is due to the State School Board and Glenda Ritz analyzing the current system and making adjustments as needed.
Hero of the Week
Cookies/Treats Return
Teacher Evaluation and 2012-2013 Raises
Your building principal may have shared with you, we will not be using ISTEP data as a part of the 2012-2013 evaluation. You will; however, need to have other data to present to your building administrator as they finalize your evaluation.
Once final evaluations for certified staff are received from building administrators, total "units" will be determined and your raise for 2013-2014 will be calculated. The funds will be provided to you in one check before December 31, 2013. By law, only certified staff receiving an "effective" or "highly effective" evaluation will receive funds.
My New Website
Have a wonderful first week back at school.
Ann