Commissioner's Update
May 7, 2007

Dear Superintendents, and Leaders of Charter Schools and Collaboratives:

In this Update I have five announcements and ten items for your review.

Application Subsidies Available for National Board Certification

The National Board Certification process http://www.nbpts.org is an enriching personal and professional experience that allows teachers to reflect upon and improve their practice. For the past several years the Department has encouraged teachers to participate in the process by offering application subsidies to defray the application costs.

This year the Department is able to use federal funds to subsidize $1,250 of the $2,500 application fee for 51 first-time candidates. Priority will be given to teachers from high poverty/low performing school districts. Candidates are responsible for the remaining $1,250.

Individuals who are interested should register on the Department's website at: http://www.doe.mass.edu/matae/ , and submit their National Board application by the end of day on December 31, 2007 www.nbpts.org/become_a_candidate. Subsidy funds cannot be allocated until candidates have made the initial payment of $500 with the National Board online.

For additional information, please contact Cathy Depradine at 781-338-3324.

Charter School Applications Available Soon

The Application for a Massachusetts Public Charter School will be posted on May 11th on the Department's website at http://www.doe.mass.edu/charter/new/. Hard copies will also be available. There are currently 18 Commonwealth and 41 Horace Mann charters available in Massachusetts. Interested applicants should call the Charter School Office at 781-338-3227 or email charterschools@doe.mass.edu.

2007 Mass Technology Leadership Council Awards

The Mass Technology Leadership Council (MTLC) is accepting applications through June 15, 2007 for their 2007 Above & Beyond Awards. The goal of the program is to encourage the creation and exchange of best practices in the teaching of science, technology, engineering and math, and to recognize, promote and encourage innovative teaching. Up to 10 Awards will be presented in the fall of 2007. Teachers can apply individually or as a team. Individual teachers are eligible to receive a $1,000 grant, and teams of teachers are eligible to receive a $2,500 grant for classroom use. Visit the MTLC website for more information: http://www.masstlc.org/wor/edfoundation/.

Massachusetts Archaeological Society

The Massachusetts Archaeological Society is holding The First Annual Essay & Poster contest for Massachusetts Fifth Graders between now and 21 May 2007. Essay & Poster contest materials can be found at http://www.massarchaeology.org/.

Office of Consumer Affairs Business Regulation

The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation announces a no-cost, professional development training for educators on the new High School Financial Literacy (Hi-Fi) Program. HiFi has been well received in high schools and educators report its success and popularity. Registration information at www.mass.gov/hifi .

Items Posted at www.doe.mass.edu:

1. Graduation Ceremonies for The Class of 2007: Participation by Students with Disabilities
2. Announcement of Competitive Technology Grants
3. School Building Health, Safety, and Fire Inspections
4. Notice of Public Comment, Proposed Amendments to Vocational Technical Education Regulations, 603 CMR 4.00
5. Soliciting Promising Parent/Family and Community Involvement Practices
6. Invitation to Serve on Standard Setting Panels in August 2007
7. Invitation to Serve on High School Standard-Setting Panels in Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Physics, and Technology/Engineering in August 2007
8. Invitation to Serve on Grade 3 Mathematics MCAS Standard-Setting Panel in August 2007
9. Technology in Massachusetts Schools - May 2007
10. WGBH "Eye on Education"

Sincerely,

David P. Driscoll
Commissioner of Education