ESSA shifts state accountability system
In January, the United States Department of Education approved Washington state's plan for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). ESSA works by identifying the needs of each school every year and providing funding congruent with those needs.
ESSA was passed in 2015 as a replacement for the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). While NCLB brought focus to education gaps across the nation, legislators agreed the law was overly punitive to schools and districts. ESSA builds on the positive aspects of NCLB and allows states to determine what measures will be taken to improve schools.
Washington state's plan is focused on accountability that emphasizes student sub-groups that have been historically underserved, as well as increasing graduation rates and expanding college and career readiness.
Schools will be classified as needing either comprehensive or targeted support. Schools in the comprehensive category are roughly the bottom five percent of schools according to the new ESSA performance score measure. Comprehensive schools receive support to increase the overall education of all students.
Targeted schools will be accountable for specific subgroup populations where a growth and/or proficiency gap exists according to the accountability index. Those schools receive support to help increase performance for the identified subgroups.
ESSA continues to use achievement on standardized tests to identify schools and also uses five other indicators: student growth; English learner progress; attendance; ninth graders on track to graduate; and advanced course enrollment. The intent is to foster a more comprehensive understanding of a school's performance.
"The new accountability indicators outlined in Washington state's plan allows us to dig deeper into our student data and pinpoint specific gaps that exist," said Tess McCartan, CPSD Director of Teaching and Learning. "Better understanding where our students are succeeding, as well as the challenges they may be facing, ensures that we are being as intentional as we can in serving our diverse learners."
The district will have schools in both the comprehensive and targeted support groups. Those designations should help increase the level of support CPSD can offer to students whose school does not meet the standards set by the state.
|
CPSD earns first place Magna Award for Open Doors program
Clover Park School District (CPSD) has received a 2018 first place Magna Award from the National School Boards Association. The award recognizes CPSD's Open Doors Youth Reengagement Program, which provides students with flexible education plans to help them earn their high school diploma.
CPSD is the only school district in Washington state, and only one of 15 in the country, to receive the honor this year.
The Magna Awards honor districts across the country for programs that break down barriers for underserved students. A panel of school board members, administrators and other educators selected the winners from more than 100 submissions.
This year, the Magna Awards recognized school districts and their leaders for their efforts to bring educational equity to their students.
"Our Open Doors program has made a big difference in Clover Park School District and we are proud to receive national recognition for its efforts," said CPSD Superintendent Debbie LeBeau. "Finding new ways to help students graduate is a priority in this modern world and one we take very seriously here."
Three grand prize winners were awarded in each of three enrollment categories. CPSD was joined by four other school districts as first place winners in the 5,000 to 20,000 student enrollment category.
All 2018 winners are highlighted in the April issue of American School Board Journal.
|
Twenty-five district teachers earn National Board Certification
Twenty-five Clover Park School District (CPSD) teachers recently earned their National Board Certification. CPSD has one of the highest percentages of National Board Certificated teachers in Pierce County. Thirteen percent of CPSD educators are National Board Certified
Two district staff also renewed their certification this year.
National Board Certification is an advanced teaching credential. As part of the process, teachers analyze their teaching content and students' needs, submit videos of their teaching and provide student work samples that demonstrate growth and achievement.
Since 2005, 201 CPSD staff have achieved National Board Certification.
"The exemplary work ethic and commitment to student achievement that these NBCTs exemplify is shaping the culture of our schools," said Jan Lonsway, CPSD Supervisor of Professional Development. "Their leadership and passion really empowers our students to work hard and achieve their own goals."
Currently, 60 more CPSD educators are working on their National Board Certification.
Twenty-five CPSD teachers were honored for earning National Board Certification this year. Two other district staff members renewed their certification this year.
|