Commissioner's Update
June 2, 2006

Dear Superintendents, and Leaders of Charter Schools and Collaboratives:

In this Update I have 3 announcements and 8 items recently posted at www.doe.mass.edu for your review.

Update

Spaces Still Available for 2006 Summer Content Institutes

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is sponsoring more than 32 graduate-level content institutes on topics ranging from mathematics to the arts. These institutes are available across the state and are at no cost to educators. Participants are eligible for over 60 PDPs. (Please note that graduate credits are offered for an additional cost, often at a reduced fee.)

Spaces are filling quickly, so register now to be sure to get into the institute of your choice! The brochure is located at: http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/cinstitute/

School Safety and Discipline Reports

The School Safety and Discipline Report are due to be returned to the Department by July 30. This online application collects information on all incidents involving drugs, violence or criminal offenses on school property and the resulting disciplinary actions imposed on the student offenders involved. According to our records almost 200 districts have not yet accessed the application to enter information for the 2005-2006 school year. Instructions for reporting and accessing the application can be found on our website: http://www.doe.mass.edu/infoservices/data/schedule.html. If you need additional assistance please contact Data Collection at 781-338-3282.

Safe Routes to Schools

WalkBoston has developed "The 15 Safe Routes to Schools," a curriculum and set of lesson plans aimed at teaching students how walking is good for their bodies, the environment. The lesson plans are aimed at students in grades K-5 and provide lessons in Health, Math, Social Studies and Science. The curriculum was specifically designed to meet our state's curriculum frameworks, and include print and Internet lesson plans. I would encourage elementary school teachers to review this material, and to consider incorporating it either partially or in its entirety in your classroom. To review the materials and download the curriculum, look online at http://www.walkboston.org/projects/safe_routes.htm.

Postings at www.doe.mass.edu:

1. Summer 2006 MCAS Retest: Test Administration Schedule and Reminder about June 9 Deadlines
   
2. Release of Spring 2006 Student, School and District MEPA Results: Friday, June 9
   
3. National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) Additional Assurance Required for IDEA Part B Grant
   
4. Revised May 31, 2006: Diplomas for Eligible Veterans
   
5. Revised May 26, 2006: Recruitment for Board of Education Advisory Councils
   
6. Notice of Public Comment, Proposed Amendments to Educator Licensure and Preparation Program Approval Regulations, 603 CMR 7.00
   [ No longer available ]
7. Notice of Public Comment, Proposed Amendments to School Finance Regulations, 603 CMR 10.00
   
8. Science and Technology/Engineering Education Forum Information
   

Sincerely,

David P. Driscoll
Commissioner of Education