On February 6th, Jacob Morris and myself testified before Assembly Education Chair, Cathy Nolan's, School Governance Committee. It was almost nine hours (7PM)before we were able to speak. The primary issue of her committee was whether Mayoral Control should be renewed in June, and if so, in what form. Most speakers favored Mayoral Control with more authority given to the PEP,CEC's and SLT's.We focused on the need to strengthen SLT's by rewriting the language in the law (2590-h-15 and 2590-r), removing any ambiguities. We emphasized the need to restore budget development responsibilities to the SLT's which had always been the intent of the law, but not clearly stated. The language we propose would also clarify that the budget is aligned with the CEP and not the other way around. School Leadership Team legislation is also up for renewal in June.
On February 18th, Jacob and I visited State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, at her Port Chester office. She is the new chair of the State Senate Education Committee. It was a very pleasant visit as we again spoke about the need to strengthen SLT legislation to empower parents and teachers in local school governance.Her legislative aide suggested we find a State Senator in NYC to sponsor the legislation change.
I would appreciate opportunities to speak with NYC Assembly Persons and State Senators concerning sponsoring SLT legislation changes. If you have a good rapport with any and can set up an appointment, please contact me. In addition, I would like to meet with Cathy Nolan with a small group of parents if that can be arranged.
Sincerely,
James Calantjis
SLT Empowerment Alliance
718 458-4237
646 541-5082
calantjis@aol.com
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Pollicino Decision Strengthens SLT's
State Education Commissioner Mills issued his decision in Pollicino v. NYCDOE on Dec. 31, 2008. It is a major victory for parents and teachers on school leadership teams. The NYCDOE had attempted to give total control of SLT's to principals by revising Regulation A-655 ( Dec. 2007) to give principals final determination on the development of the CEP and school budget. Commissioner Mills ruled this change concerning the CEP violated State Education Law 2590h-15 (see link).
The Commissioner's decision restores SLT's to shared decision making status rather than just advisory. The SLT collaboratively develops the CEP using a consensus model of shared decision making. The Commissioner did rule that principals have final determination on the school budget. However, SLT's have a major role to play in aligning the budget with the CEP. In addition, Commissioner Mills emphasized that principals must consult SLT's before budget decisions are made.
The decision was also a victory for the CEC's and District SLT's as Commissioner Mills ruled that the process the NYCDOE used to revive A-655 was flawed by not following CR 100.11 (see link). He ordered the NYCDOE to revise the current A-655 Regulation and submit it to the CEC's for input and approval.
You can read the Commissioner's decision by clicking the title of this post.
The Commissioner's decision restores SLT's to shared decision making status rather than just advisory. The SLT collaboratively develops the CEP using a consensus model of shared decision making. The Commissioner did rule that principals have final determination on the school budget. However, SLT's have a major role to play in aligning the budget with the CEP. In addition, Commissioner Mills emphasized that principals must consult SLT's before budget decisions are made.
The decision was also a victory for the CEC's and District SLT's as Commissioner Mills ruled that the process the NYCDOE used to revive A-655 was flawed by not following CR 100.11 (see link). He ordered the NYCDOE to revise the current A-655 Regulation and submit it to the CEC's for input and approval.
You can read the Commissioner's decision by clicking the title of this post.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Look-Up Your School's FY 09 Budget
See the link( FY09 School Budgets Look-up) to find your school's budget allocations for this year (FY09). You will need to put your school's borough letter followed by the school number to access the information. It will have information comparing last years budget (FY 08) with this year's (FY 09). It will also have the Contract for Excellence Funds your school received from the State.
Ask your principal to see the school budget spending breakdown, that will show how the school is allocating the funds. Most of the funds will be for salaries (public information),OTPS (Other than Personnel), per session activities and other mandated(Federal,State) and discretionary categories.
Ask your principal to see the school budget spending breakdown, that will show how the school is allocating the funds. Most of the funds will be for salaries (public information),OTPS (Other than Personnel), per session activities and other mandated(Federal,State) and discretionary categories.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Revised CEP 2008-2009 Template
The Principal's Weekly of 10/15 has information on the 2008-2009 CEP. A revised template for October has been issued which can be accessed. The template outlines the CEP development process. The draft CEP must be submitted by mid November to be reviewed. The final copy is to be submitted to the Office of School Imptovement in Dcember. There is also a CEP timeline available. Ask your principal for these documents.
The appendices of the CEP are important. The appendices for Title 1 schools must show the 1% of funds set aside for parent involvement as well as 5% to insure that all teachers in core subjects are highly qualified.
There is also a CEP page showing the allocation of the Contract for Excellence Funds every school received.
All SLT's should make sure they are given copies of the CEP and that at least the documents are reviewed. Remember, the SLT is suppose to develop the CEP and at the very least should have meaningful input.
The appendices of the CEP are important. The appendices for Title 1 schools must show the 1% of funds set aside for parent involvement as well as 5% to insure that all teachers in core subjects are highly qualified.
There is also a CEP page showing the allocation of the Contract for Excellence Funds every school received.
All SLT's should make sure they are given copies of the CEP and that at least the documents are reviewed. Remember, the SLT is suppose to develop the CEP and at the very least should have meaningful input.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Conducting a SLT PASS Review
A good way to administer a performance assessment of your school is to conduct a PASS (Performance Assessment in Schools Systemwide) Review through the School Leadership Team. The NYCDOE has available a PASS Performance Review Guide and a PASS Handbook and Toolkit which you can access through the SLT PASS Review link listed on this site.
PASS Reviews have been around for many years and are great as part of a needs assessment in developing the Comprehensive Educational Plan. The SLT puts together a PASS Review Team that visits classrooms for snapshots as to how well the school is achieving "standards of practice"that have been previously developed.
PASS Reviews have been around for many years and are great as part of a needs assessment in developing the Comprehensive Educational Plan. The SLT puts together a PASS Review Team that visits classrooms for snapshots as to how well the school is achieving "standards of practice"that have been previously developed.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Contract for Excellence Funds and SLT's
Last June, schools received their Contracts for Excellence Funds (C4E). According to the "Department of Education 2008-2009 Contracts For Excellence Public Hearings" guide (p.11), "C4E planning is included in the 2008-09 Comprehensive Educational Plan (CEP) process, which requires input from the School Leadership Team (SLT). SLT's are also being provided with C4E training."
In conjunction with the SLT, decisions were to be made concerning how the money would be spent among the mandated categories, which included smaller class size.
In July, the principal completed a survey on how the money would be spent. You can look up your school and make a copy of the four page survey by accessing the Contracts For Excellence Link on this web page.
If your SLT was shut out of the process, put the topic on the agenda for your next meeting.Hold the principal accountable and assert your rights as members of the SLT.
In conjunction with the SLT, decisions were to be made concerning how the money would be spent among the mandated categories, which included smaller class size.
In July, the principal completed a survey on how the money would be spent. You can look up your school and make a copy of the four page survey by accessing the Contracts For Excellence Link on this web page.
If your SLT was shut out of the process, put the topic on the agenda for your next meeting.Hold the principal accountable and assert your rights as members of the SLT.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Getting Your School Leadership Team Off to a Good Start
The responsibility for assuring that the school has a functioning SLT rests with the PA/PTA and the UFT Chapter Leader. If left to the Principal, it will not happen.
There should be a meeting in September in which the following is addressed:
1) The Team should have elected representatives that include teachers, with 50% comprised of parents. The Team should have two student representatives at the High School level. The Principal, PA/PTA President, and UFT Chapter Leader are Core members. There should ideally be 12-14 SLT members.
2) Officers should be selected by consensus that include a Chair Person, which should not be the Principal. The Chair Person should be knowledgeable of the SLT process and have good planning and leadership skills.
3) The meeting schedule should be planned for the rest of the school year. There should be monthly meetings of at least two to three hour duration during after school hours. A stipend ($10 per hour) is provided up to 30 hours, which is the minimum time required.
4) All SLT members should be given copies of the 2008-2009 preliminary CEP or template along with the school budget. The NYCDOE has extended the time to submit the 2008-2009 CEP until early November. Developing the CEP includes a needs assessment, creating goals and writing objectives (Action Plans). The budget should be aligned with the CEP and be reflected in each Action Plan. After the 2008-2009 CEP is submitted, work should begin on the 2009-2010 CEP to assure it is completed by June.
5) A preliminary agenda should be completed for the next meeting that focuses on the CEP and budget. Any SLT member cam submit an item for the agenda before the next meeting.
6) Training sessions should be scheduled for the entire Team concerning completing a CEP and aligning the school budget.
Contact Sharon Rencher (srenche@schools.nyc.gov) if your school needs the 2008-2009 Template. Also, ask for the 2008-2009 CEP Guide.
There should be a meeting in September in which the following is addressed:
1) The Team should have elected representatives that include teachers, with 50% comprised of parents. The Team should have two student representatives at the High School level. The Principal, PA/PTA President, and UFT Chapter Leader are Core members. There should ideally be 12-14 SLT members.
2) Officers should be selected by consensus that include a Chair Person, which should not be the Principal. The Chair Person should be knowledgeable of the SLT process and have good planning and leadership skills.
3) The meeting schedule should be planned for the rest of the school year. There should be monthly meetings of at least two to three hour duration during after school hours. A stipend ($10 per hour) is provided up to 30 hours, which is the minimum time required.
4) All SLT members should be given copies of the 2008-2009 preliminary CEP or template along with the school budget. The NYCDOE has extended the time to submit the 2008-2009 CEP until early November. Developing the CEP includes a needs assessment, creating goals and writing objectives (Action Plans). The budget should be aligned with the CEP and be reflected in each Action Plan. After the 2008-2009 CEP is submitted, work should begin on the 2009-2010 CEP to assure it is completed by June.
5) A preliminary agenda should be completed for the next meeting that focuses on the CEP and budget. Any SLT member cam submit an item for the agenda before the next meeting.
6) Training sessions should be scheduled for the entire Team concerning completing a CEP and aligning the school budget.
Contact Sharon Rencher (srenche@schools.nyc.gov) if your school needs the 2008-2009 Template. Also, ask for the 2008-2009 CEP Guide.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)