District/School Administration Administration
The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

Board in Brief
Tuesday, March 28, 2006

This is "Board in Brief," issued at the request of Commissioner David P. Driscoll to bring you up to date on Board of Education matters. This is a report on the regular meeting held on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Malden.

Comments from the Chairman

Chairman James A. Peyser opened the meeting by reporting that he has appointed a subcommittee of the Board to consider options regarding raising the passing standard for earning a competency determination. Board members Patricia Plummer, Roberta Schaefer, Henry Thomas, and Jonathan Urbach will work with the Chairman and Commissioner to bring options for consideration back to the Board in April or May.

Comments from the Commissioner

Commissioner Driscoll updated the Board on his recent visit with a delegation from the Council of Chief State School Officers and others to study educational programs in India. He also announced that Deputy Commissioner Jeff Nellhaus has been named to a national committee to review assessment growth models.

Proposed Amendments to Vocational Technical Education Regulations

The Board voted to solicit public comment on the proposed amendments to the Vocational Technical Education Regulations (603 CMR 4.00). The proposed amendments make two significant changes. First, the proposed amendments establish standards for students to earn the Certificate of Occupational Proficiency. Second, the proposed amendments set rigorous standards for programs of study and methods of instruction, by referencing Vocational Technical Education Frameworks in 43 occupational areas. The Department developed the frameworks in collaboration with representatives of business, industry and labor; educators; and other experts in each occupational field.

Commissioner Driscoll said, "I predict this initiative will prove to be a national model. Vocational Education in Massachusetts will be driving the push to proficiency required of all students. This was a phenomenal team effort between the vocational educators, representatives of industry businesses and apprenticeships, and community college faculty. It shows what can happen when everyone focuses on the needs of students and the setting of high expectations." After the Department reviews the comments and makes revisions to the documents as needed, the regulations will be brought back to the Board for a final vote in June.

Teacher Training

At the request of Board member Chris Anderson, the Board had a discussion on the issue of teacher training. The Board heard a presentation by a panel of educational and business leaders: Steve Foster, Superintendent, Westford Public Schools; Tom Payzant, Superintendent, Boston Public Schools; Ray Stata, Chairman, Analog Devices; Chairman, Center for Quality of Management; and Jack Wilson, President, University of Massachusetts.

Chairman Peyser, Chris Anderson, and Commissioner Driscoll will develop a timeline and process for engaging teachers and administrators, higher education representatives, business leaders and other interested parties in a dialogue that will lead to specific proposals for improving teacher preparation, recruitment, induction, and professional development. The Commissioner will bring policy recommendations to the Board within the next six months.

Charter Schools

The Board approved the charter renewals for the Martha's Vineyard Public Charter School (West Tisbury) and Prospect Hill Academy Charter School (Somerville). These are the last two schools in the 2006 charter renewal cycle.

Improvement Plan from New Leadership Horace Mann Charter School

The Board discussed the revised plan for improving student performance from the New Leadership Horace Mann Charter School that was declared underperforming in the 2004-2005 school review cycle. Chairman Peyser said the Board is encouraged by the response from the school. After further refinement, the Board will take action on the plan at a future meeting.

Approval of Grants

The Board approved $1,200,298 in grants for the following programs: 2006 Content Institutes (professional development for educators relating to the curriculum frameworks): Federal - $796,019; Academic Support Services - Work and Learning Programs: State - $350,000; Dropout Prevention and Alternative Education: State - $54,279.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Malden.