QA U.S.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION POSTAGE AND FEES PAID

ED PUBS The U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
P.O. BOX 1398 EDUCATION
The
Calendar February 19–25
JESSUP, MD 20794-1398 Permit NO. G-17
National Engineers Week,
& G L O S S A R Y U.S.
a celebration sponsored by the OFFICIAL BUSINESS VOL.5, NO.2 FEBRUARY 2006
PRESORTED DEPARTMENT
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300 OF
National Engineers Week Foun- tions and programs that have been accredited. FIRST CLASS EDUCATION
dation to raise public awareness This database at www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation
of the importance of having a is recommended as one source of qualitative
high level of math, science and How do I determine if a information in the student’s selection VOL.5, NO.2 FEBRUARY 2006 www.ed.gov

technology literacy. Among the school is accredited? process. To determine if a school or program
events is Introduce a Girl to is going to meet your needs, in addition to
Math, Science at
Engineering Day on Feb. 23,
for which the goal is to mobilize
11,000 women in engineering W
ith the increasing importance
of a college education in today’s
competitive market, attending an
checking its accreditation status, contact the
institution you might be interested in attend-
ing as well as prospective employers, and, if
Center of Competitiveness
Initiative President Sets Agenda for Education
to mentor more than 1 million accredited school—one that has met certain possible, visit the school.

I
quality standards—is essential. In addition, to help avoid the traps of n his State of the Union Address on Jan. 31, such as the following seek to improve math and
girls. For more activity ideas,
The U.S. Department of Education, how- “diploma mills” that offer fraudulent President George W. Bush announced an science learning: I N S I D E
including resources for inspiring
degrees with little course work at a flat fee, ambitious strategy that highlights education > National Math Panel—based on the success
youths to pursue engineering ever, does not accredit colleges, universities
the Federal Trade Commission recently as a critical factor in strengthening the nation’s of the National Reading Panel sponsored by the
careers, visit www.eweek.org or other postsecondary institutions.
released a new publication, Avoid Fake- ability to compete in the global economy. U.S. Department of Education, this committee of 2 Spellings Speaks on Global
or call (703) 684-2852. Accreditation in the United States is done Competitiveness
Degree Burns by Researching Academic The president’s American Competitiveness experts would create a research base to improve
by accrediting agencies, which are private
Credentials, which is available at Initiative would commit $5.9 billion in instructional methods and materials for
regional or national associations that have Around the Country—
www.ftc.gov. fiscal year 2007, and more than $136 math teachers; Michigan and Wisconsin
developed criteria for evaluating institutions billion over the next 10 years, in feder- > Math Now for elementary school
March
National Women’s History
or programs to determine whether or not
( al investments to advance math and students—similar to the Department’s 5 Calendar

(
they are operating at basic levels of quality. science education, promote research Reading First initiative, this program
Month, an observance spon-
For a list of these agencies and other related accreditation: recognition and development, and encourage would help to prepare K–7 students for
Q&A—College Accreditation
sored by the National Women’s of a school or program by a national
information, visit the Department’s Web site innovation. more rigorous math course work in
History Project to recognize Education News Parents
at www.ed.gov, select the link “A–Z Index” or regional organization that has devel- “To keep America competitive,” said higher grades; Can Use
the contributions of women to
and then “Accreditation.” oped evaluation criteria for ensuring that President Bush in his address, “one commit- > Math Now for middle school students—similar
American culture. The group is 6 BuildingChoice.org
The Department also provides a list of academic quality standards are met. ment is necessary above all: We must continue to to the Striving Readers initiative, this program
hosting a contest for the best
approximately 6,900 postsecondary institu- lead the world in human talent and creativity. would provide intensive and systematic instruction
project by a school, community Building Choice
organization or workplace Our greatest advantage in the world has always to help students take and pass algebra;
operation that expounds on been our educated, hardworking, ambitious > Advanced Placement-International Baccalaureate
people—and we’re going to keep that edge.” (AP-IB) Incentive Program—to introduce more
this year’s theme, Women: News Show Tackles Math, Science Lag The initiative and other Department programs rigor for high school students, this effort would

T
Builders of Communities and o help ensure parents have the children’s needs may be better met elsewhere,

W
Dreams. The deadline for ith national Department initiatives are information they need to make for example, at an arts magnet school, a char- > continued on page 2
submission is April 15. For attention helping to strengthen math decisions regarding their chil- ter technology high school, or a media U.S. Department of Education ‘Beating the Odds’
400 Maryland Ave., S.W.
more information, contact turned to and science education; dren’s education, the U.S. Department of academy operating within a larger school. Washington, DC 20202
www.nwhp.org or call (707) efforts to create a new how parents can encour-
age their children to learn
Education recently unveiled a new Web site For school district leaders either imple- High Expectations Help California Students Reach Higher
636-2888. For a selection of The Achiever is a monthly publication
online resources observing
generation of innovators
who will lead America in math and science outside
for building choice within the public school
system.
menting or improving a public school choice
program, the site’s tools are organized
for parents and community leaders
from the Office of Communications
Levels of English Fluency, Academic Proficiency
women’s history, visit the the 21st century, the Febru- the classroom; and what and Outreach, U.S. Department of
BuildingChoice.org is a new online around five action areas: creating a vision;

‘‘
Federal Resources for Educa- ary edition of Education students should be learn- Education (ED). Margaret Spellings, Before becoming the principal of Bolsa Grande High School, Denise Jay spent seven
toolkit that provides a variety of practical communicating with parents; managing Secretary.
tional Excellence (FREE) Web News Parents Can Use, the ing in math and science years as an assistant principal of another California public high school where, unlike
site at www.ed.gov/free, which resources based on diverse school districts operations; supporting schools; and evaluat-
U.S. Department of Educa- in the elementary, middle Comments? Contact Nicole Ashby, her current location, she said, many of the students came from families of doctors
includes links to research
about the women’s suffrage
tion’s monthly television and high school grades,
as well as what changes
across the country that have created
voluntary public school choice programs.
ing the program. Included are downloadable
sample materials that can be adapted for
Editor, (202) 205-0676 (fax), or
[email protected].
You have to and lawyers, and where the school was the epicenter of the community.
program, will focus on math “I kept thinking this is why these kids perform as well as they do,” said
movement and profiles about
female pioneers
and science education.
As recent statistics reveal a gap in these
are needed in the way these subjects are
currently being taught.
With a growing number of students no
longer routinely attending their neigh-
specific program use.
In addition, a 26-page illustrated
Address changes and subscriptions?
Contact (877) 4ED-PUBS, or
[email protected].
care about Jay, referring to the high level of standards, accountability and parent
involvement at her former school. “There is no reason that kids in urban
of NASA.
The U.S. Department
of Education is accepting
fields—one international study
showed U.S. 15-year-olds rank Use
Each month, Education News Parents Can
showcases: schools and school districts
borhood
schools,
companion to the Web site, An Invitation to
BuildingChoice.org, is available free of charge Information on ED programs, resources
and events? Contact (800) USA-LEARN,
these kids areas can’t reach these same levels. We’re just not expecting it.”
Believing that high expectations and not merely
the site by calling (877) 4ED-PUBS with identifica-
nominations for its 2006
American Stars of Teaching
24th in the industrialized
world in math comprehen-
from
school
across the country; conversations with
officials, parents and education covers a tion number EU0159P, while supplies last.
or [email protected].

The Achiever contains news and

and ... their economics are the common denominators in aca-
demic success, Jay promised herself that if she ever
experts; and advice and free resources for range of BuildingChoice.org is a project of the
awards, which recognize innova-
tive teachers who are making a
sion—the news show will
explore: the definition of parents and educators.
To learn about viewing options, including
options for
parents
Department’s Office of Innovation and
Improvement and is an online complement
information about and from public
and private organizations for the
reader's information. Inclusion does
success. was offered the top administrator position of
a less privileged school, she would put
difference in their students’ lives. “global economy” and its not constitute an endorsement by the
into practice all she
Nomination forms, available at demands of the nation’s webcasts, visit www.ed.gov and click on who feel to its popular Innovations in Education U.S. Department of Education of any
products or services offered or views
www.ed.gov/teacherinitiative, education system; how the No “Parents,” then “News Parents Can Use,” their book series. > continued on page 3
expressed.
are due April 15. Child Left Behind Act and related or call toll-free (800) USA-LEARN.
page 5 page 6
> continued from page 1 > continued from page 1

train 70,000 additional teachers to lead school teachers by 2015; and work and to college majors of math, science or a learned at the affluent subur- schools serving the most chal- not only to proficiency in English-Language students who do not speak English fluently From left to right: Principal Denise Jay; English language teacher Kelly Anderson;
AP-IB math and science courses as well as > Academic Competitiveness grants and the critical foreign language, respectively. ban high school. So when in lenging populations “teachers Arts but also nonnative speakers to fluency to meet grade-level standards undoubtedly and junior Phuong Tran with senior Ngocanh Tran. On the cover, senior Raquel
triple the number of students taking AP-IB SMART Grant Program—these higher educa- Garcia. Photos by Ann Johansson.
A booklet detailing the education component of the presi- 2000 she became the principal teaching the same course use in English. The subject is particularly has been a challenge. Even more difficult is
tests to 1.5 million over the next five years; tion grants build on the Pell Grant program and dent’s American Competitiveness Initiative and other of Bolsa Grande, a big-city the same curriculum, give the critical to Bolsa Grande, considering that helping students who are illiterate not only
> Adjunct Teacher Corps—this proposal will benefit more than 500,000 students in Department initiatives for math, science and foreign
school located 30 miles south same tests, and work toward 42 percent of the students are not fluent in English but also in their native language. they explain the questions to me when poverty barriers are largely credited for
would encourage 30,000 qualified math and need, with financial aid going to high-achieving language, entitled Meeting the Challenge of a Changing
World, is available online at www.ed.gov. of Los Angeles in Garden the same standards.” in English—nearly 70 percent if including “When they’re at the really low levels,” I have problems,” said Tran, who is a English proficiency scores increasing
science professionals to become adjunct high students who take rigorous high school course
Grove, she set on a course to Before Jay’s arrival, the those students who recently progressed said Kelly Anderson, chair of the school’s member of the water polo club coached by from 32 percent in 2002 to 55 percent in
make sure her students, many instructional plan at Bolsa from the language- English Language Anderson. 2005, and math scores from 38 percent to

Photo by Paul Wood

of whom were Vietnamese Grande was “open to interpre- centered program Department, “it’s In another success story, Raquel Garcia, 60 percent, and for gains in every subgroup.
Spellings Speaks on Global Competitiveness and Hispanic immigrants, tation, without focus,” she to the regular long and arduous representing the second largest language Collaboration among the faculty is
experienced the same oppor- said. That was no surprise curriculum to get them up to group at Bolsa Grande, came from Mexico facilitated through what the school calls
of science and engineering Ph.D.s awarded

L ast month, U.S. Secretary of Educa-

tion Margaret Spellings (pictured at
right with U.S. Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice) spoke at the U.S. Univer-
sity Presidents’ Summit on International
every year. More importantly, we turned the
threat of Soviet competition into proof of
our ability to improve the quality of life for
our citizens and countless others worldwide.
tunities as their more
advantaged peers.
Six years later, Bolsa Grande is consid-
ered one of the highest-achieving high
since the school at the time
was marked for improvement.
Expectations for learning and behavior, she
remembered, were low. “In the beginning,
a level where
they’re actually
able to be self-
sufficient and
in search of better medical attention for her
hearing loss. Today, in her
senior year, she is on the
honor roll with plans to
“reflection meetings.” In these sessions,

Today, we have no symbol as obvious as a schools in the state. Even with California I just spent a lot of time resetting priori- successful. major in psychology. “Educa-
Education in Washington, D.C. An excerpt
Russian satellite streaking through the sky to doubling its targets for English and math ties,” Jay recalled of her first couple of … When it tion is real important for
of her speech follows.
remind us of our global competitors, but proficiency from 2004 to 2005, the school’s years. comes so me,” said Garcia. “If I don’t
… In the last 50 years, American ingenuity there are many smaller signs fast approaching But we still have a long way to go. English language learners scored overall She started by selecting a curriculum easy to have education, I cannot be
has put a man on the moon, a rover on Mars, on the horizon. The world is changing at a Less than half of high school students grad- two and a half times higher than the that aligned with others, as somebody.”
and computers in our businesses, rapid pace, and many of our students uate ready for college-level math and science. expected 2005 levels. the state a teacher What they lack in
lack the skills to succeed in the global And a recent adult literacy study showed that
Last fall, Springboard Schools, a non- standards to that’s hard language proficiency, said
knowledge economy. … 11 million Americans—that’s 5 percent of our
profit organization based in San Francisco, move all sometimes Anderson, English language
In this world where what you adult population—are unable to read.
recognized Bolsa Grande as one of 10 students to watch.” learners more than make up
know means much more than where The president and I think that’s simply
exceptional high schools in the state with and are, Also difficult is the fact for in their eagerness to
you live, we all have a responsibility unacceptable. So, we’re supporting high school
on top o
f
reform that focuses on core subjects like read- high concentrations of English language therefore, no that very few students can learn. This is why many of the students, staff members focus on the same stan-
o n aid — to make sure America’s education
educati ill go learners, low-income students and ethnic longer classified practice their new language who also include native speakers of Korean dards, curriculum, assessments and pacing
3 0 m illion in y C o n gress—w ing, math and science to help more students
ional $ priated
b directl y system gives students the chance
An addit dy appro that were graduate ready for college. minorities. In a study of California schools as English language learners. skills at home, where most and Arabic among 29 other different schedule, and thereby are able to draw
0 m illion alrea h e r e d ucation w ell a s those to succeed. Preparing our students
$20 ns of hig ita, as But we can’t do it alone. As you know, that were “beating the odds” with high- In addition, Jay implemented parents speak only in their native languages spoken at the school, do common solutions from comparable data
h e lp institutio K a trin a and R th a t enrolled for the future begins long before
to rricane s y
d by Hu e countr about 80 percent of the fastest-growing jobs need populations, it found that Bolsa more accelerated learning courses such as tongues. exceedingly well, and why the 2003 and objectives.
impacte it ie s a round th a d e th e college. It starts with high stan-
and univ
ers llings m Grande’s English language learners outper- Writing as a Process, and phased out class- However, added Anderson, the chal- graduation rate for every ethnic group In having the same expectations for
colleges . S e cre tary Spe w ith u niversity dards, accountability, annual require postsecondary education. … Unfortu-
d studen
ts meeting econdary nately, less than a third of Americans have formed comparable schools across the es that were remedial, adding instead lenges sweeten the rewards, pointing to is above the 90-percent mark. all their students, said Jay, staff have
displace in J a n u ary at a r p os ts measurement, and disaggregated
ement ht majo
announc s tu d ents of eig e $ 3 0 million is data to show which students bachelor’s degrees—and less than 20 percent state by 138 percent in English and by supplemental classes for senior Ngocanh Tran as an example. Born “If you’re going to be successful in learned to resist the tendency to shelter
ts an d area. T h ted.
presiden N ew Orleans is b e in g redirec n t need help and whether some of African-Americans and Hispanics. … 112 percent in math, according to 2004 students taking in Vietnam, Tran came to the United States teaching English language learners, you their English language learners from more
in th e t ompon e
schools aid tha a vital c
d e ra l fi nancial tio n are e groups of students are falling Half a century ago, a Russian satellite outcomes. The California Best Practices advanced course work in the last semester of eighth grade, after- have to have energy and passion,” said demanding course work. “We’re compas-
fe er educ a said. “ W
unspent s of high S pellings drove American educators from all levels to
ti tu tio n an s ,” s ta n d behind their peers. These prin- Study is sponsored by the National to keep them on track. wards enrolling at Bolsa Grande as a Tom Cardoza, who has been teaching at sionate, we listen, we encourage and
“Ins ew Orle nd we
re b u il d ing of N in s to b e done a ciples are the pillars of our work together to prepare a new generation of Center for Educational Accountability, Then benchmark assess- basic-level speaker. In just a few years she Bolsa Grande for 22 years. “You have to support,” she said, “but because they’re
in the ork rem a
w th a t much w u rr ic a n e nation’s commitment to leave innovators. Every day, all of us benefit from a project funded by the U.S. Depart- ments, which group questions worked her way up to junior English, care about these kids and about how crying we don’t pull them out of it.
kno the H
d y to help.” a ila b le through n fo r the 99 that collaboration in technology, medicine,
rea n av
10 milli
o no child behind. ment of Education. by the state standards, were passed all of the high school exit exams, you’re going to teach them. You have to Because we know when they leave here
0 millio cludes $ ed stude
nts,
The $20 ery A c t in d is p la c Thanks to the No Child Left industry, and commerce, and so do billions
n Recov rolled s of After an examination of a broad set scheduled quarterly for each course and is planning to attend a local community care about their success.” they’re going to enter right into the real
Educatio s that en ississipp
i’s board worldwide. …
d a ry in stitution a an d M Behind Act, students’ scores of data—including test scores, gradua- as part of a districtwide effort of Garden college after graduation. “I got better at The teamwork and dedication of Bolsa world.”
n Louisian
postseco lion for ane are rising, and more minority
9 0 m il h u rric tion rates and the number of students Grove Unified Schools. But helping English because of my teachers, the way Grande’s 70 teachers amid language and —BY NICOLE ASHBY
and $1 rtment For the full speech, visit www.ed.gov and click on
e d u c a tion. o u t o th er Depa .g o v. students are catching up to
highe r on a b ls completing rigorous course work—the
informati forschoo “Speeches” for the Jan. 6, 2006, remarks.

Bolsa Grande High School

For more /h u rr ic anehelp their peers than ever before,
it http:/ study presents the key findings, which
lie f e fforts, vis especially in the early grades.
re revealed that at the most successful high

our homes, AROUND THE COUNTRY

and even our pockets. Research at
MICHIGAN—The DaimlerChrysler competition will award 10 prizes each at WISCONSIN—Officials of the School continuation of the district’s Project Lead > Grade Span: 9–12 > Special Education Students: 8%
universities like yours launched the World
Wide Web, mapped the human genome, Corporation Fund in partnership with the elementary, middle and high school District of Waukesha are planning a science the Way, a national instructional program > Locale: Large city > Percentage Proficient: In math,
The New Detroit Science Center will levels in order to develop the schools’ and technology charter school due to the geared to increasing student interest in the 59.7%; in English, 55% (based
and developed life-extending drugs and > Total Students: 1,596
on ninth- through 11th-graders
treatment for AIDS. … award grants totaling $87,000 to 30 curricula in these technical subjects. First- success of its Academy of Health Profes- fields of engineering and engineering tech-
> Race/Ethnicity Enrollment: 53% Asian, assessed on the 2005 state exam).
Between 1958 and 1968, American Michigan public school teachers and through third-prize winners will receive sions, which opened two years ago inside nology. District officials forecast a minimal 37% Latino, 9% white, 1% black
their respective schools for their $15,000, $7,500 and $3,000, respectively, Waukesha South High School with the cost for the new charter, which will bring in > Interesting Fact: Vietnamese and
universities reacted to Sputnik with an > Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Spanish are among 29 different
extraordinary display of ingenuity. Within promotion of academic achievement in with those competitors placing fourth- purpose of attracting students into the new students through Wisconsin’s open-
Eligible: 67% languages spoken at Bolsa Grande,
a decade, our country tripled the number the fields of math, science, engineering through tenth-place receiving $500 grants. medical fields. The new school, which is enrollment program. which also include Korean and Arabic.
and technology. This May, the Closing expected to open by fall 2007, will be a > English Language Learners: 42%
page 2 the Technology Gap in Education page 3 page 4
> continued from page 1 > continued from page 1

train 70,000 additional teachers to lead school teachers by 2015; and work and to college majors of math, science or a learned at the affluent subur- schools serving the most chal- not only to proficiency in English-Language students who do not speak English fluently From left to right: Principal Denise Jay; English language teacher Kelly Anderson;
AP-IB math and science courses as well as > Academic Competitiveness grants and the critical foreign language, respectively. ban high school. So when in lenging populations “teachers Arts but also nonnative speakers to fluency to meet grade-level standards undoubtedly and junior Phuong Tran with senior Ngocanh Tran. On the cover, senior Raquel
triple the number of students taking AP-IB SMART Grant Program—these higher educa- Garcia. Photos by Ann Johansson.
A booklet detailing the education component of the presi- 2000 she became the principal teaching the same course use in English. The subject is particularly has been a challenge. Even more difficult is
tests to 1.5 million over the next five years; tion grants build on the Pell Grant program and dent’s American Competitiveness Initiative and other of Bolsa Grande, a big-city the same curriculum, give the critical to Bolsa Grande, considering that helping students who are illiterate not only
> Adjunct Teacher Corps—this proposal will benefit more than 500,000 students in Department initiatives for math, science and foreign
school located 30 miles south same tests, and work toward 42 percent of the students are not fluent in English but also in their native language. they explain the questions to me when poverty barriers are largely credited for
would encourage 30,000 qualified math and need, with financial aid going to high-achieving language, entitled Meeting the Challenge of a Changing
World, is available online at www.ed.gov. of Los Angeles in Garden the same standards.” in English—nearly 70 percent if including “When they’re at the really low levels,” I have problems,” said Tran, who is a English proficiency scores increasing
science professionals to become adjunct high students who take rigorous high school course
Grove, she set on a course to Before Jay’s arrival, the those students who recently progressed said Kelly Anderson, chair of the school’s member of the water polo club coached by from 32 percent in 2002 to 55 percent in
make sure her students, many instructional plan at Bolsa from the language- English Language Anderson. 2005, and math scores from 38 percent to

Photo by Paul Wood

of whom were Vietnamese Grande was “open to interpre- centered program Department, “it’s In another success story, Raquel Garcia, 60 percent, and for gains in every subgroup.
Spellings Speaks on Global Competitiveness and Hispanic immigrants, tation, without focus,” she to the regular long and arduous representing the second largest language Collaboration among the faculty is
experienced the same oppor- said. That was no surprise curriculum to get them up to group at Bolsa Grande, came from Mexico facilitated through what the school calls
of science and engineering Ph.D.s awarded

L ast month, U.S. Secretary of Educa-

tion Margaret Spellings (pictured at
right with U.S. Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice) spoke at the U.S. Univer-
sity Presidents’ Summit on International
every year. More importantly, we turned the
threat of Soviet competition into proof of
our ability to improve the quality of life for
our citizens and countless others worldwide.
tunities as their more
advantaged peers.
Six years later, Bolsa Grande is consid-
ered one of the highest-achieving high
since the school at the time
was marked for improvement.
Expectations for learning and behavior, she
remembered, were low. “In the beginning,
a level where
they’re actually
able to be self-
sufficient and
in search of better medical attention for her
hearing loss. Today, in her
senior year, she is on the
honor roll with plans to
“reflection meetings.” In these sessions,

Today, we have no symbol as obvious as a schools in the state. Even with California I just spent a lot of time resetting priori- successful. major in psychology. “Educa-
Education in Washington, D.C. An excerpt
Russian satellite streaking through the sky to doubling its targets for English and math ties,” Jay recalled of her first couple of … When it tion is real important for
of her speech follows.
remind us of our global competitors, but proficiency from 2004 to 2005, the school’s years. comes so me,” said Garcia. “If I don’t
… In the last 50 years, American ingenuity there are many smaller signs fast approaching But we still have a long way to go. English language learners scored overall She started by selecting a curriculum easy to have education, I cannot be
has put a man on the moon, a rover on Mars, on the horizon. The world is changing at a Less than half of high school students grad- two and a half times higher than the that aligned with others, as somebody.”
and computers in our businesses, rapid pace, and many of our students uate ready for college-level math and science. expected 2005 levels. the state a teacher What they lack in
lack the skills to succeed in the global And a recent adult literacy study showed that
Last fall, Springboard Schools, a non- standards to that’s hard language proficiency, said
knowledge economy. … 11 million Americans—that’s 5 percent of our
profit organization based in San Francisco, move all sometimes Anderson, English language
In this world where what you adult population—are unable to read.
recognized Bolsa Grande as one of 10 students to watch.” learners more than make up
know means much more than where The president and I think that’s simply
exceptional high schools in the state with and are, Also difficult is the fact for in their eagerness to
you live, we all have a responsibility unacceptable. So, we’re supporting high school
on top o
f
reform that focuses on core subjects like read- high concentrations of English language therefore, no that very few students can learn. This is why many of the students, staff members focus on the same stan-
o n aid — to make sure America’s education
educati ill go learners, low-income students and ethnic longer classified practice their new language who also include native speakers of Korean dards, curriculum, assessments and pacing
3 0 m illion in y C o n gress—w ing, math and science to help more students
ional $ priated
b directl y system gives students the chance
An addit dy appro that were graduate ready for college. minorities. In a study of California schools as English language learners. skills at home, where most and Arabic among 29 other different schedule, and thereby are able to draw
0 m illion alrea h e r e d ucation w ell a s those to succeed. Preparing our students
$20 ns of hig ita, as But we can’t do it alone. As you know, that were “beating the odds” with high- In addition, Jay implemented parents speak only in their native languages spoken at the school, do common solutions from comparable data
h e lp institutio K a trin a and R th a t enrolled for the future begins long before
to rricane s y
d by Hu e countr about 80 percent of the fastest-growing jobs need populations, it found that Bolsa more accelerated learning courses such as tongues. exceedingly well, and why the 2003 and objectives.
impacte it ie s a round th a d e th e college. It starts with high stan-
and univ
ers llings m Grande’s English language learners outper- Writing as a Process, and phased out class- However, added Anderson, the chal- graduation rate for every ethnic group In having the same expectations for
colleges . S e cre tary Spe w ith u niversity dards, accountability, annual require postsecondary education. … Unfortu-
d studen
ts meeting econdary nately, less than a third of Americans have formed comparable schools across the es that were remedial, adding instead lenges sweeten the rewards, pointing to is above the 90-percent mark. all their students, said Jay, staff have
displace in J a n u ary at a r p os ts measurement, and disaggregated
ement ht majo
announc s tu d ents of eig e $ 3 0 million is data to show which students bachelor’s degrees—and less than 20 percent state by 138 percent in English and by supplemental classes for senior Ngocanh Tran as an example. Born “If you’re going to be successful in learned to resist the tendency to shelter
ts an d area. T h ted.
presiden N ew Orleans is b e in g redirec n t need help and whether some of African-Americans and Hispanics. … 112 percent in math, according to 2004 students taking in Vietnam, Tran came to the United States teaching English language learners, you their English language learners from more
in th e t ompon e
schools aid tha a vital c
d e ra l fi nancial tio n are e groups of students are falling Half a century ago, a Russian satellite outcomes. The California Best Practices advanced course work in the last semester of eighth grade, after- have to have energy and passion,” said demanding course work. “We’re compas-
fe er educ a said. “ W
unspent s of high S pellings drove American educators from all levels to
ti tu tio n an s ,” s ta n d behind their peers. These prin- Study is sponsored by the National to keep them on track. wards enrolling at Bolsa Grande as a Tom Cardoza, who has been teaching at sionate, we listen, we encourage and
“Ins ew Orle nd we
re b u il d ing of N in s to b e done a ciples are the pillars of our work together to prepare a new generation of Center for Educational Accountability, Then benchmark assess- basic-level speaker. In just a few years she Bolsa Grande for 22 years. “You have to support,” she said, “but because they’re
in the ork rem a
w th a t much w u rr ic a n e nation’s commitment to leave innovators. Every day, all of us benefit from a project funded by the U.S. Depart- ments, which group questions worked her way up to junior English, care about these kids and about how crying we don’t pull them out of it.
kno the H
d y to help.” a ila b le through n fo r the 99 that collaboration in technology, medicine,
rea n av
10 milli
o no child behind. ment of Education. by the state standards, were passed all of the high school exit exams, you’re going to teach them. You have to Because we know when they leave here
0 millio cludes $ ed stude
nts,
The $20 ery A c t in d is p la c Thanks to the No Child Left industry, and commerce, and so do billions
n Recov rolled s of After an examination of a broad set scheduled quarterly for each course and is planning to attend a local community care about their success.” they’re going to enter right into the real
Educatio s that en ississipp
i’s board worldwide. …
d a ry in stitution a an d M Behind Act, students’ scores of data—including test scores, gradua- as part of a districtwide effort of Garden college after graduation. “I got better at The teamwork and dedication of Bolsa world.”
n Louisian
postseco lion for ane are rising, and more minority
9 0 m il h u rric tion rates and the number of students Grove Unified Schools. But helping English because of my teachers, the way Grande’s 70 teachers amid language and —BY NICOLE ASHBY
and $1 rtment For the full speech, visit www.ed.gov and click on
e d u c a tion. o u t o th er Depa .g o v. students are catching up to
highe r on a b ls completing rigorous course work—the
informati forschoo “Speeches” for the Jan. 6, 2006, remarks.

Bolsa Grande High School

For more /h u rr ic anehelp their peers than ever before,
it http:/ study presents the key findings, which
lie f e fforts, vis especially in the early grades.
re revealed that at the most successful high

our homes, AROUND THE COUNTRY

and even our pockets. Research at
MICHIGAN—The DaimlerChrysler competition will award 10 prizes each at WISCONSIN—Officials of the School continuation of the district’s Project Lead > Grade Span: 9–12 > Special Education Students: 8%
universities like yours launched the World
Wide Web, mapped the human genome, Corporation Fund in partnership with the elementary, middle and high school District of Waukesha are planning a science the Way, a national instructional program > Locale: Large city > Percentage Proficient: In math,
The New Detroit Science Center will levels in order to develop the schools’ and technology charter school due to the geared to increasing student interest in the 59.7%; in English, 55% (based
and developed life-extending drugs and > Total Students: 1,596
on ninth- through 11th-graders
treatment for AIDS. … award grants totaling $87,000 to 30 curricula in these technical subjects. First- success of its Academy of Health Profes- fields of engineering and engineering tech-
> Race/Ethnicity Enrollment: 53% Asian, assessed on the 2005 state exam).
Between 1958 and 1968, American Michigan public school teachers and through third-prize winners will receive sions, which opened two years ago inside nology. District officials forecast a minimal 37% Latino, 9% white, 1% black
their respective schools for their $15,000, $7,500 and $3,000, respectively, Waukesha South High School with the cost for the new charter, which will bring in > Interesting Fact: Vietnamese and
universities reacted to Sputnik with an > Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Spanish are among 29 different
extraordinary display of ingenuity. Within promotion of academic achievement in with those competitors placing fourth- purpose of attracting students into the new students through Wisconsin’s open-
Eligible: 67% languages spoken at Bolsa Grande,
a decade, our country tripled the number the fields of math, science, engineering through tenth-place receiving $500 grants. medical fields. The new school, which is enrollment program. which also include Korean and Arabic.
and technology. This May, the Closing expected to open by fall 2007, will be a > English Language Learners: 42%
page 2 the Technology Gap in Education page 3 page 4
> continued from page 1 > continued from page 1

train 70,000 additional teachers to lead school teachers by 2015; and work and to college majors of math, science or a learned at the affluent subur- schools serving the most chal- not only to proficiency in English-Language students who do not speak English fluently From left to right: Principal Denise Jay; English language teacher Kelly Anderson;
AP-IB math and science courses as well as > Academic Competitiveness grants and the critical foreign language, respectively. ban high school. So when in lenging populations “teachers Arts but also nonnative speakers to fluency to meet grade-level standards undoubtedly and junior Phuong Tran with senior Ngocanh Tran. On the cover, senior Raquel
triple the number of students taking AP-IB SMART Grant Program—these higher educa- Garcia. Photos by Ann Johansson.
A booklet detailing the education component of the presi- 2000 she became the principal teaching the same course use in English. The subject is particularly has been a challenge. Even more difficult is
tests to 1.5 million over the next five years; tion grants build on the Pell Grant program and dent’s American Competitiveness Initiative and other of Bolsa Grande, a big-city the same curriculum, give the critical to Bolsa Grande, considering that helping students who are illiterate not only
> Adjunct Teacher Corps—this proposal will benefit more than 500,000 students in Department initiatives for math, science and foreign
school located 30 miles south same tests, and work toward 42 percent of the students are not fluent in English but also in their native language. they explain the questions to me when poverty barriers are largely credited for
would encourage 30,000 qualified math and need, with financial aid going to high-achieving language, entitled Meeting the Challenge of a Changing
World, is available online at www.ed.gov. of Los Angeles in Garden the same standards.” in English—nearly 70 percent if including “When they’re at the really low levels,” I have problems,” said Tran, who is a English proficiency scores increasing
science professionals to become adjunct high students who take rigorous high school course
Grove, she set on a course to Before Jay’s arrival, the those students who recently progressed said Kelly Anderson, chair of the school’s member of the water polo club coached by from 32 percent in 2002 to 55 percent in
make sure her students, many instructional plan at Bolsa from the language- English Language Anderson. 2005, and math scores from 38 percent to

Photo by Paul Wood

of whom were Vietnamese Grande was “open to interpre- centered program Department, “it’s In another success story, Raquel Garcia, 60 percent, and for gains in every subgroup.
Spellings Speaks on Global Competitiveness and Hispanic immigrants, tation, without focus,” she to the regular long and arduous representing the second largest language Collaboration among the faculty is
experienced the same oppor- said. That was no surprise curriculum to get them up to group at Bolsa Grande, came from Mexico facilitated through what the school calls
of science and engineering Ph.D.s awarded

L ast month, U.S. Secretary of Educa-

tion Margaret Spellings (pictured at
right with U.S. Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice) spoke at the U.S. Univer-
sity Presidents’ Summit on International
every year. More importantly, we turned the
threat of Soviet competition into proof of
our ability to improve the quality of life for
our citizens and countless others worldwide.
tunities as their more
advantaged peers.
Six years later, Bolsa Grande is consid-
ered one of the highest-achieving high
since the school at the time
was marked for improvement.
Expectations for learning and behavior, she
remembered, were low. “In the beginning,
a level where
they’re actually
able to be self-
sufficient and
in search of better medical attention for her
hearing loss. Today, in her
senior year, she is on the
honor roll with plans to
“reflection meetings.” In these sessions,

Today, we have no symbol as obvious as a schools in the state. Even with California I just spent a lot of time resetting priori- successful. major in psychology. “Educa-
Education in Washington, D.C. An excerpt
Russian satellite streaking through the sky to doubling its targets for English and math ties,” Jay recalled of her first couple of … When it tion is real important for
of her speech follows.
remind us of our global competitors, but proficiency from 2004 to 2005, the school’s years. comes so me,” said Garcia. “If I don’t
… In the last 50 years, American ingenuity there are many smaller signs fast approaching But we still have a long way to go. English language learners scored overall She started by selecting a curriculum easy to have education, I cannot be
has put a man on the moon, a rover on Mars, on the horizon. The world is changing at a Less than half of high school students grad- two and a half times higher than the that aligned with others, as somebody.”
and computers in our businesses, rapid pace, and many of our students uate ready for college-level math and science. expected 2005 levels. the state a teacher What they lack in
lack the skills to succeed in the global And a recent adult literacy study showed that
Last fall, Springboard Schools, a non- standards to that’s hard language proficiency, said
knowledge economy. … 11 million Americans—that’s 5 percent of our
profit organization based in San Francisco, move all sometimes Anderson, English language
In this world where what you adult population—are unable to read.
recognized Bolsa Grande as one of 10 students to watch.” learners more than make up
know means much more than where The president and I think that’s simply
exceptional high schools in the state with and are, Also difficult is the fact for in their eagerness to
you live, we all have a responsibility unacceptable. So, we’re supporting high school
on top o
f
reform that focuses on core subjects like read- high concentrations of English language therefore, no that very few students can learn. This is why many of the students, staff members focus on the same stan-
o n aid — to make sure America’s education
educati ill go learners, low-income students and ethnic longer classified practice their new language who also include native speakers of Korean dards, curriculum, assessments and pacing
3 0 m illion in y C o n gress—w ing, math and science to help more students
ional $ priated
b directl y system gives students the chance
An addit dy appro that were graduate ready for college. minorities. In a study of California schools as English language learners. skills at home, where most and Arabic among 29 other different schedule, and thereby are able to draw
0 m illion alrea h e r e d ucation w ell a s those to succeed. Preparing our students
$20 ns of hig ita, as But we can’t do it alone. As you know, that were “beating the odds” with high- In addition, Jay implemented parents speak only in their native languages spoken at the school, do common solutions from comparable data
h e lp institutio K a trin a and R th a t enrolled for the future begins long before
to rricane s y
d by Hu e countr about 80 percent of the fastest-growing jobs need populations, it found that Bolsa more accelerated learning courses such as tongues. exceedingly well, and why the 2003 and objectives.
impacte it ie s a round th a d e th e college. It starts with high stan-
and univ
ers llings m Grande’s English language learners outper- Writing as a Process, and phased out class- However, added Anderson, the chal- graduation rate for every ethnic group In having the same expectations for
colleges . S e cre tary Spe w ith u niversity dards, accountability, annual require postsecondary education. … Unfortu-
d studen
ts meeting econdary nately, less than a third of Americans have formed comparable schools across the es that were remedial, adding instead lenges sweeten the rewards, pointing to is above the 90-percent mark. all their students, said Jay, staff have
displace in J a n u ary at a r p os ts measurement, and disaggregated
ement ht majo
announc s tu d ents of eig e $ 3 0 million is data to show which students bachelor’s degrees—and less than 20 percent state by 138 percent in English and by supplemental classes for senior Ngocanh Tran as an example. Born “If you’re going to be successful in learned to resist the tendency to shelter
ts an d area. T h ted.
presiden N ew Orleans is b e in g redirec n t need help and whether some of African-Americans and Hispanics. … 112 percent in math, according to 2004 students taking in Vietnam, Tran came to the United States teaching English language learners, you their English language learners from more
in th e t ompon e
schools aid tha a vital c
d e ra l fi nancial tio n are e groups of students are falling Half a century ago, a Russian satellite outcomes. The California Best Practices advanced course work in the last semester of eighth grade, after- have to have energy and passion,” said demanding course work. “We’re compas-
fe er educ a said. “ W
unspent s of high S pellings drove American educators from all levels to
ti tu tio n an s ,” s ta n d behind their peers. These prin- Study is sponsored by the National to keep them on track. wards enrolling at Bolsa Grande as a Tom Cardoza, who has been teaching at sionate, we listen, we encourage and
“Ins ew Orle nd we
re b u il d ing of N in s to b e done a ciples are the pillars of our work together to prepare a new generation of Center for Educational Accountability, Then benchmark assess- basic-level speaker. In just a few years she Bolsa Grande for 22 years. “You have to support,” she said, “but because they’re
in the ork rem a
w th a t much w u rr ic a n e nation’s commitment to leave innovators. Every day, all of us benefit from a project funded by the U.S. Depart- ments, which group questions worked her way up to junior English, care about these kids and about how crying we don’t pull them out of it.
kno the H
d y to help.” a ila b le through n fo r the 99 that collaboration in technology, medicine,
rea n av
10 milli
o no child behind. ment of Education. by the state standards, were passed all of the high school exit exams, you’re going to teach them. You have to Because we know when they leave here
0 millio cludes $ ed stude
nts,
The $20 ery A c t in d is p la c Thanks to the No Child Left industry, and commerce, and so do billions
n Recov rolled s of After an examination of a broad set scheduled quarterly for each course and is planning to attend a local community care about their success.” they’re going to enter right into the real
Educatio s that en ississipp
i’s board worldwide. …
d a ry in stitution a an d M Behind Act, students’ scores of data—including test scores, gradua- as part of a districtwide effort of Garden college after graduation. “I got better at The teamwork and dedication of Bolsa world.”
n Louisian
postseco lion for ane are rising, and more minority
9 0 m il h u rric tion rates and the number of students Grove Unified Schools. But helping English because of my teachers, the way Grande’s 70 teachers amid language and —BY NICOLE ASHBY
and $1 rtment For the full speech, visit www.ed.gov and click on
e d u c a tion. o u t o th er Depa .g o v. students are catching up to
highe r on a b ls completing rigorous course work—the
informati forschoo “Speeches” for the Jan. 6, 2006, remarks.

Bolsa Grande High School

For more /h u rr ic anehelp their peers than ever before,
it http:/ study presents the key findings, which
lie f e fforts, vis especially in the early grades.
re revealed that at the most successful high

our homes, AROUND THE COUNTRY

and even our pockets. Research at
MICHIGAN—The DaimlerChrysler competition will award 10 prizes each at WISCONSIN—Officials of the School continuation of the district’s Project Lead > Grade Span: 9–12 > Special Education Students: 8%
universities like yours launched the World
Wide Web, mapped the human genome, Corporation Fund in partnership with the elementary, middle and high school District of Waukesha are planning a science the Way, a national instructional program > Locale: Large city > Percentage Proficient: In math,
The New Detroit Science Center will levels in order to develop the schools’ and technology charter school due to the geared to increasing student interest in the 59.7%; in English, 55% (based
and developed life-extending drugs and > Total Students: 1,596
on ninth- through 11th-graders
treatment for AIDS. … award grants totaling $87,000 to 30 curricula in these technical subjects. First- success of its Academy of Health Profes- fields of engineering and engineering tech-
> Race/Ethnicity Enrollment: 53% Asian, assessed on the 2005 state exam).
Between 1958 and 1968, American Michigan public school teachers and through third-prize winners will receive sions, which opened two years ago inside nology. District officials forecast a minimal 37% Latino, 9% white, 1% black
their respective schools for their $15,000, $7,500 and $3,000, respectively, Waukesha South High School with the cost for the new charter, which will bring in > Interesting Fact: Vietnamese and
universities reacted to Sputnik with an > Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Spanish are among 29 different
extraordinary display of ingenuity. Within promotion of academic achievement in with those competitors placing fourth- purpose of attracting students into the new students through Wisconsin’s open-
Eligible: 67% languages spoken at Bolsa Grande,
a decade, our country tripled the number the fields of math, science, engineering through tenth-place receiving $500 grants. medical fields. The new school, which is enrollment program. which also include Korean and Arabic.
and technology. This May, the Closing expected to open by fall 2007, will be a > English Language Learners: 42%
page 2 the Technology Gap in Education page 3 page 4
 QA U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
ED PUBS The U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
P.O. BOX 1398 EDUCATION
The
Calendar February 19–25
JESSUP, MD 20794-1398 Permit NO. G-17
National Engineers Week,
& G L O S S A R Y U.S.
a celebration sponsored by the OFFICIAL BUSINESS VOL.5, NO.2 FEBRUARY 2006
PRESORTED DEPARTMENT
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300 OF
National Engineers Week Foun- tions and programs that have been accredited. FIRST CLASS EDUCATION
dation to raise public awareness This database at www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation
of the importance of having a is recommended as one source of qualitative
high level of math, science and How do I determine if a information in the student’s selection VOL.5, NO.2 FEBRUARY 2006 www.ed.gov

technology literacy. Among the school is accredited? process. To determine if a school or program
events is Introduce a Girl to is going to meet your needs, in addition to
Math, Science at
Engineering Day on Feb. 23,
for which the goal is to mobilize
11,000 women in engineering W
ith the increasing importance
of a college education in today’s
competitive market, attending an
checking its accreditation status, contact the
institution you might be interested in attend-
ing as well as prospective employers, and, if
Center of Competitiveness
Initiative President Sets Agenda for Education
to mentor more than 1 million accredited school—one that has met certain possible, visit the school.

I
quality standards—is essential. In addition, to help avoid the traps of n his State of the Union Address on Jan. 31, such as the following seek to improve math and
girls. For more activity ideas,
The U.S. Department of Education, how- “diploma mills” that offer fraudulent President George W. Bush announced an science learning: I N S I D E
including resources for inspiring
degrees with little course work at a flat fee, ambitious strategy that highlights education > National Math Panel—based on the success
youths to pursue engineering ever, does not accredit colleges, universities
the Federal Trade Commission recently as a critical factor in strengthening the nation’s of the National Reading Panel sponsored by the
careers, visit www.eweek.org or other postsecondary institutions.
released a new publication, Avoid Fake- ability to compete in the global economy. U.S. Department of Education, this committee of 2 Spellings Speaks on Global
or call (703) 684-2852. Accreditation in the United States is done Competitiveness
Degree Burns by Researching Academic The president’s American Competitiveness experts would create a research base to improve
by accrediting agencies, which are private
Credentials, which is available at Initiative would commit $5.9 billion in instructional methods and materials for
regional or national associations that have Around the Country—
www.ftc.gov. fiscal year 2007, and more than $136 math teachers; Michigan and Wisconsin
developed criteria for evaluating institutions billion over the next 10 years, in feder- > Math Now for elementary school
March
National Women’s History
or programs to determine whether or not
( al investments to advance math and students—similar to the Department’s 5 Calendar

(
they are operating at basic levels of quality. science education, promote research Reading First initiative, this program
Month, an observance spon-
For a list of these agencies and other related accreditation: recognition and development, and encourage would help to prepare K–7 students for
Q&A—College Accreditation
sored by the National Women’s of a school or program by a national
information, visit the Department’s Web site innovation. more rigorous math course work in
History Project to recognize Education News Parents
at www.ed.gov, select the link “A–Z Index” or regional organization that has devel- “To keep America competitive,” said higher grades; Can Use
the contributions of women to
and then “Accreditation.” oped evaluation criteria for ensuring that President Bush in his address, “one commit- > Math Now for middle school students—similar
American culture. The group is 6 BuildingChoice.org
The Department also provides a list of academic quality standards are met. ment is necessary above all: We must continue to to the Striving Readers initiative, this program
hosting a contest for the best
approximately 6,900 postsecondary institu- lead the world in human talent and creativity. would provide intensive and systematic instruction
project by a school, community Building Choice
organization or workplace Our greatest advantage in the world has always to help students take and pass algebra;
operation that expounds on been our educated, hardworking, ambitious > Advanced Placement-International Baccalaureate
people—and we’re going to keep that edge.” (AP-IB) Incentive Program—to introduce more
this year’s theme, Women: News Show Tackles Math, Science Lag The initiative and other Department programs rigor for high school students, this effort would

T
Builders of Communities and o help ensure parents have the children’s needs may be better met elsewhere,

W
Dreams. The deadline for ith national Department initiatives are information they need to make for example, at an arts magnet school, a char- > continued on page 2
submission is April 15. For attention helping to strengthen math decisions regarding their chil- ter technology high school, or a media U.S. Department of Education ‘Beating the Odds’
400 Maryland Ave., S.W.
more information, contact turned to and science education; dren’s education, the U.S. Department of academy operating within a larger school. Washington, DC 20202
www.nwhp.org or call (707) efforts to create a new how parents can encour-
age their children to learn
Education recently unveiled a new Web site For school district leaders either imple- High Expectations Help California Students Reach Higher
636-2888. For a selection of The Achiever is a monthly publication
online resources observing
generation of innovators
who will lead America in math and science outside
for building choice within the public school
system.
menting or improving a public school choice
program, the site’s tools are organized
for parents and community leaders
from the Office of Communications
Levels of English Fluency, Academic Proficiency
women’s history, visit the the 21st century, the Febru- the classroom; and what and Outreach, U.S. Department of
BuildingChoice.org is a new online around five action areas: creating a vision;

‘‘
Federal Resources for Educa- ary edition of Education students should be learn- Education (ED). Margaret Spellings, Before becoming the principal of Bolsa Grande High School, Denise Jay spent seven
toolkit that provides a variety of practical communicating with parents; managing Secretary.
tional Excellence (FREE) Web News Parents Can Use, the ing in math and science years as an assistant principal of another California public high school where, unlike
site at www.ed.gov/free, which resources based on diverse school districts operations; supporting schools; and evaluat-
U.S. Department of Educa- in the elementary, middle Comments? Contact Nicole Ashby, her current location, she said, many of the students came from families of doctors
includes links to research
about the women’s suffrage
tion’s monthly television and high school grades,
as well as what changes
across the country that have created
voluntary public school choice programs.
ing the program. Included are downloadable
sample materials that can be adapted for
Editor, (202) 205-0676 (fax), or
[email protected].
You have to and lawyers, and where the school was the epicenter of the community.
program, will focus on math “I kept thinking this is why these kids perform as well as they do,” said
movement and profiles about
female pioneers
and science education.
As recent statistics reveal a gap in these
are needed in the way these subjects are
currently being taught.
With a growing number of students no
longer routinely attending their neigh-
specific program use.
In addition, a 26-page illustrated
Address changes and subscriptions?
Contact (877) 4ED-PUBS, or
[email protected].
care about Jay, referring to the high level of standards, accountability and parent
involvement at her former school. “There is no reason that kids in urban
of NASA.
The U.S. Department
of Education is accepting
fields—one international study
showed U.S. 15-year-olds rank Use
Each month, Education News Parents Can
showcases: schools and school districts
borhood
schools,
companion to the Web site, An Invitation to
BuildingChoice.org, is available free of charge Information on ED programs, resources
and events? Contact (800) USA-LEARN,
these kids areas can’t reach these same levels. We’re just not expecting it.”
Believing that high expectations and not merely
the site by calling (877) 4ED-PUBS with identifica-
nominations for its 2006
American Stars of Teaching
24th in the industrialized
world in math comprehen-
from
school
across the country; conversations with
officials, parents and education covers a tion number EU0159P, while supplies last.
or [email protected].

The Achiever contains news and

and ... their economics are the common denominators in aca-
demic success, Jay promised herself that if she ever
experts; and advice and free resources for range of BuildingChoice.org is a project of the
awards, which recognize innova-
tive teachers who are making a
sion—the news show will
explore: the definition of parents and educators.
To learn about viewing options, including
options for
parents
Department’s Office of Innovation and
Improvement and is an online complement
information about and from public
and private organizations for the
reader's information. Inclusion does
success. was offered the top administrator position of
a less privileged school, she would put
difference in their students’ lives. “global economy” and its not constitute an endorsement by the
into practice all she
Nomination forms, available at demands of the nation’s webcasts, visit www.ed.gov and click on who feel to its popular Innovations in Education U.S. Department of Education of any
products or services offered or views
www.ed.gov/teacherinitiative, education system; how the No “Parents,” then “News Parents Can Use,” their book series. > continued on page 3
expressed.
are due April 15. Child Left Behind Act and related or call toll-free (800) USA-LEARN.
page 5 page 6
 QA U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
ED PUBS The U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
P.O. BOX 1398 EDUCATION
The
Calendar February 19–25
JESSUP, MD 20794-1398 Permit NO. G-17
National Engineers Week,
& G L O S S A R Y U.S.
a celebration sponsored by the OFFICIAL BUSINESS VOL.5, NO.2 FEBRUARY 2006
PRESORTED DEPARTMENT
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300 OF
National Engineers Week Foun- tions and programs that have been accredited. FIRST CLASS EDUCATION
dation to raise public awareness This database at www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation
of the importance of having a is recommended as one source of qualitative
high level of math, science and How do I determine if a information in the student’s selection VOL.5, NO.2 FEBRUARY 2006 www.ed.gov

technology literacy. Among the school is accredited? process. To determine if a school or program
events is Introduce a Girl to is going to meet your needs, in addition to
Math, Science at
Engineering Day on Feb. 23,
for which the goal is to mobilize
11,000 women in engineering W
ith the increasing importance
of a college education in today’s
competitive market, attending an
checking its accreditation status, contact the
institution you might be interested in attend-
ing as well as prospective employers, and, if
Center of Competitiveness
Initiative President Sets Agenda for Education
to mentor more than 1 million accredited school—one that has met certain possible, visit the school.

I
quality standards—is essential. In addition, to help avoid the traps of n his State of the Union Address on Jan. 31, such as the following seek to improve math and
girls. For more activity ideas,
The U.S. Department of Education, how- “diploma mills” that offer fraudulent President George W. Bush announced an science learning: I N S I D E
including resources for inspiring
degrees with little course work at a flat fee, ambitious strategy that highlights education > National Math Panel—based on the success
youths to pursue engineering ever, does not accredit colleges, universities
the Federal Trade Commission recently as a critical factor in strengthening the nation’s of the National Reading Panel sponsored by the
careers, visit www.eweek.org or other postsecondary institutions.
released a new publication, Avoid Fake- ability to compete in the global economy. U.S. Department of Education, this committee of 2 Spellings Speaks on Global
or call (703) 684-2852. Accreditation in the United States is done Competitiveness
Degree Burns by Researching Academic The president’s American Competitiveness experts would create a research base to improve
by accrediting agencies, which are private
Credentials, which is available at Initiative would commit $5.9 billion in instructional methods and materials for
regional or national associations that have Around the Country—
www.ftc.gov. fiscal year 2007, and more than $136 math teachers; Michigan and Wisconsin
developed criteria for evaluating institutions billion over the next 10 years, in feder- > Math Now for elementary school
March
National Women’s History
or programs to determine whether or not
( al investments to advance math and students—similar to the Department’s 5 Calendar

(
they are operating at basic levels of quality. science education, promote research Reading First initiative, this program
Month, an observance spon-
For a list of these agencies and other related accreditation: recognition and development, and encourage would help to prepare K–7 students for
Q&A—College Accreditation
sored by the National Women’s of a school or program by a national
information, visit the Department’s Web site innovation. more rigorous math course work in
History Project to recognize Education News Parents
at www.ed.gov, select the link “A–Z Index” or regional organization that has devel- “To keep America competitive,” said higher grades; Can Use
the contributions of women to
and then “Accreditation.” oped evaluation criteria for ensuring that President Bush in his address, “one commit- > Math Now for middle school students—similar
American culture. The group is 6 BuildingChoice.org
The Department also provides a list of academic quality standards are met. ment is necessary above all: We must continue to to the Striving Readers initiative, this program
hosting a contest for the best
approximately 6,900 postsecondary institu- lead the world in human talent and creativity. would provide intensive and systematic instruction
project by a school, community Building Choice
organization or workplace Our greatest advantage in the world has always to help students take and pass algebra;
operation that expounds on been our educated, hardworking, ambitious > Advanced Placement-International Baccalaureate
people—and we’re going to keep that edge.” (AP-IB) Incentive Program—to introduce more
this year’s theme, Women: News Show Tackles Math, Science Lag The initiative and other Department programs rigor for high school students, this effort would

T
Builders of Communities and o help ensure parents have the children’s needs may be better met elsewhere,

W
Dreams. The deadline for ith national Department initiatives are information they need to make for example, at an arts magnet school, a char- > continued on page 2
submission is April 15. For attention helping to strengthen math decisions regarding their chil- ter technology high school, or a media U.S. Department of Education ‘Beating the Odds’
400 Maryland Ave., S.W.
more information, contact turned to and science education; dren’s education, the U.S. Department of academy operating within a larger school. Washington, DC 20202
www.nwhp.org or call (707) efforts to create a new how parents can encour-
age their children to learn
Education recently unveiled a new Web site For school district leaders either imple- High Expectations Help California Students Reach Higher
636-2888. For a selection of The Achiever is a monthly publication
online resources observing
generation of innovators
who will lead America in math and science outside
for building choice within the public school
system.
menting or improving a public school choice
program, the site’s tools are organized
for parents and community leaders
from the Office of Communications
Levels of English Fluency, Academic Proficiency
women’s history, visit the the 21st century, the Febru- the classroom; and what and Outreach, U.S. Department of
BuildingChoice.org is a new online around five action areas: creating a vision;

‘‘
Federal Resources for Educa- ary edition of Education students should be learn- Education (ED). Margaret Spellings, Before becoming the principal of Bolsa Grande High School, Denise Jay spent seven
toolkit that provides a variety of practical communicating with parents; managing Secretary.
tional Excellence (FREE) Web News Parents Can Use, the ing in math and science years as an assistant principal of another California public high school where, unlike
site at www.ed.gov/free, which resources based on diverse school districts operations; supporting schools; and evaluat-
U.S. Department of Educa- in the elementary, middle Comments? Contact Nicole Ashby, her current location, she said, many of the students came from families of doctors
includes links to research
about the women’s suffrage
tion’s monthly television and high school grades,
as well as what changes
across the country that have created
voluntary public school choice programs.
ing the program. Included are downloadable
sample materials that can be adapted for
Editor, (202) 205-0676 (fax), or
[email protected].
You have to and lawyers, and where the school was the epicenter of the community.
program, will focus on math “I kept thinking this is why these kids perform as well as they do,” said
movement and profiles about
female pioneers
and science education.
As recent statistics reveal a gap in these
are needed in the way these subjects are
currently being taught.
With a growing number of students no
longer routinely attending their neigh-
specific program use.
In addition, a 26-page illustrated
Address changes and subscriptions?
Contact (877) 4ED-PUBS, or
[email protected].
care about Jay, referring to the high level of standards, accountability and parent
involvement at her former school. “There is no reason that kids in urban
of NASA.
The U.S. Department
of Education is accepting
fields—one international study
showed U.S. 15-year-olds rank Use
Each month, Education News Parents Can
showcases: schools and school districts
borhood
schools,
companion to the Web site, An Invitation to
BuildingChoice.org, is available free of charge Information on ED programs, resources
and events? Contact (800) USA-LEARN,
these kids areas can’t reach these same levels. We’re just not expecting it.”
Believing that high expectations and not merely
the site by calling (877) 4ED-PUBS with identifica-
nominations for its 2006
American Stars of Teaching
24th in the industrialized
world in math comprehen-
from
school
across the country; conversations with
officials, parents and education covers a tion number EU0159P, while supplies last.
or [email protected].

The Achiever contains news and

and ... their economics are the common denominators in aca-
demic success, Jay promised herself that if she ever
experts; and advice and free resources for range of BuildingChoice.org is a project of the
awards, which recognize innova-
tive teachers who are making a
sion—the news show will
explore: the definition of parents and educators.
To learn about viewing options, including
options for
parents
Department’s Office of Innovation and
Improvement and is an online complement
information about and from public
and private organizations for the
reader's information. Inclusion does
success. was offered the top administrator position of
a less privileged school, she would put
difference in their students’ lives. “global economy” and its not constitute an endorsement by the
into practice all she
Nomination forms, available at demands of the nation’s webcasts, visit www.ed.gov and click on who feel to its popular Innovations in Education U.S. Department of Education of any
products or services offered or views
www.ed.gov/teacherinitiative, education system; how the No “Parents,” then “News Parents Can Use,” their book series. > continued on page 3
expressed.
are due April 15. Child Left Behind Act and related or call toll-free (800) USA-LEARN.
page 5 page 6