calendar January U.S.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
PRESORTED

&
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
must also show whether or not schools ED PUBS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2008
Magnet Schools Month. P.O. BOX 1398
UNITED STATES POSTAGE PAID
have met their state’s targets for adequate CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD
VOL. 7, NO. 1
As part of the celebration, JESSUP, MD 20794-1398 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
yearly progress (AYP)—the minimum level of PERMIT NO. 557
Magnet Schools of America is
inviting communities to host How can I improvement as measured by student assess-
Publicizing data ments and other academic indicators (e.g., VOL. 7, NO. 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2008
special activities and events and
about student
find out how attendance and graduation rates) that schools
is sponsoring a poster contest
that will conclude on Jan. 25. performance is a my child’s must achieve. Those schools failing to meet
Visit http://www.magnet.edu, critical tool for
promoting account-
school is AYP for two consecutive school years are
identified as “in need of improvement.”
or call 202-824-0672.
ability: It helps doing? In addition to assessment and accountability
parents see where data, report cards should also include infor-
schools and districts are mation on the professional qualifications of
succeeding and where there is still work to do. teachers, including the percentage of classes “Promising Gains” Among
Under the No Child Left Behind Act, states lacking highly qualified teachers in high- versus Urban School Districts
and local districts that receive federal funding low-poverty schools.
I N S I D E Nation’s Report Card Reveals Greatest Increases in Math
must publish annual report cards on how their States and districts should disseminate
schools and students overall are performing. these report cards as early as possible after
According to the latest results from the among the urban district students was better
Jan. 14
These report cards must include test score data
that indicate the percentage of students who
the school year ends so that educators have
critical information for improving instruction
2 Spellings Discusses
Character Education National Assessment of Educational Progress, than the national average.
or the Nation’s Report Card, 11 urban school “No Child Left Behind is working and as a
PTA Art Exhibit Opening, have achieved basic, proficient or advanced and parents can make informed decisions New Report on Title I
regarding public school choice and free tutor- IN THIS ISSUE: districts have nation, our achievement gap is closing,” said
at the U.S. Department of levels on standardized tests in reading and Achievement
Education headquarters in
Washington, D.C., will
math in grades 3–8 and at least once in high
school (as well as on tests in science beginning
ing options. By and large, state and district
report cards are posted on the state’s Web Tying Names New National Education
made steady
improvement
U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings.
“While [the] results point to promising gains
showcase the 2007 winners
of the PTA Reflections Pro-
this school year). Furthermore, this data must
be broken down by the following student
site and may also be available in local schools,
libraries, community centers and other public
to Numbers Center

Around the Country—

in both reading
and math.
among our nation’s urban school districts, much
work remains to ensure all students achieve
gram “My Favorite Place.” subgroups: race/ethnicity, economically dis- locations. PAGE 1 California and Texas Most of the grade-level success by 2014 and that students
For a virtual gallery, visit advantaged, limited English proficient and For information on how your child’s school participating in urban elementary schools—and all schools—
http://pta.browsermedia.com.
To attend, e-mail
students with disabilities.
Based on this achievement data, report cards
is doing, contact the school or the district or
state education office.
5 Calendar
districts in the have the basic reading skills required for success
Q&A—School Report 2007 Trial Urban District Assessment—released in every other subject.”
[email protected]. Cards
in November by the U.S. Department of The report also revealed:
February
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Education News Parents Education’s National Center for Education > In math, eight districts recorded increases
Can Use Statistics—demonstrated greater gains in math. in scores in the fourth grade com-
Black History Month. The In the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy, designated as “directory information”;
The study also showed that, while the gains for pared to 2003, and
Federal Resources for Educa-
tional Excellence (FREE) Web
News Show to Celebrate NCLB’s Sixth Year federal officials conducted a “listening
tour” about school safety and emergency
> The disclosure of images of students
captured on security videotapes; and 6 Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act the low-income and minority student popula- four districts had
site—http://www.free.ed.gov— The January edition of Education News excelling in the classroom. According to preparedness in communities across > The type of disciplinary records that may tions in these districts were typically greater higher average
offers hundreds of teaching Parents Can Use—the Department’s live, the 2007 Nation’s Report Card, reading the country from which several themes be disclosed without a student’s consent. than the national average, in some scores com-
U.S. Department of Education
and learning resources high- monthly television program—will celebrate and math scores are at all-time highs and emerged, including the need for additional For a free copy of these guides, visit 400 Maryland Ave. S.W. cases student performance pared with
lighting the heritage of the sixth anniversary of the No Child achievement gaps are closing. Guests on guidance on the Family Educational Rights http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco Washington, DC 20202
> continued
African-Americans and covers Left Behind Act and showcase January’s show will explore the ways in and Privacy Act (FERPA). /ferpa/safeschools; or call 1-877-4ED-PUBS www.ed.gov
Tying Names to Numbers on page 2
such topics as the Civil Rights schools and districts which higher standards In response, the U.S. Department of with the following identification numbers The Achiever is a monthly publication
Movement, Tuskegee Airmen that have been and accountability, Education has released three new guides— for the guides while supplies last: parents for parents and community leaders
from the Office of Communications and
Data Analysis, Reform Model
and Harriet Tubman. successful in using flexibility and parent for parents, K–12 educators and higher (ED003907H), school officials (ED003906H)
the law’s bedrock N E X T B R O A D C A S T: information and school education officials—on the federal law that and postsecondary officials (ED003905H).
Outreach, U.S. Department of Educa-
tion (ED). Margaret Spellings, secretary.
Turn Around Atlanta School
Feb. 17–23 principles of choice are helping to protects the privacy of students’ education
National Engineers Week, accountability for
results, parent
No Child raise reading and math
test scores for students
records. Generally, FERPA requires schools
to ask for written permission before dis-
Comments? Contact Nicole Ashby,
editor, at 202-401-0689 (fax) or at
[email protected].
“The whole
Six years ago, when Venetian Hills Elementary School
in Atlanta failed once again to meet basic academic stan-
sponsored by the National
Engineers Week Foundation
to highlight the importance
empowerment and
doing what works
Left Behind across the country.
Each month, Education
closing a student’s personally identifiable
information to individuals other than the
Address changes and subscriptions?
Contact 1-877-4ED-PUBS or
[email protected].
community needs
dards, it was identified by the state as “needing improvement”
and ordered to offer students free tutoring or transfers to better-

to close academic Jan. 15, 8–9 p.m. EST News Parents Can Use parent. The guides provide information to know what the performing schools.
of advanced math and science Information on ED programs, resources
At the start of school that same year, Clarietta Davis was
achievement gaps showcases: schools and so that, empowered by an understanding and events? Contact 1-800-USA-LEARN
literacy, will include among
and help all students school districts from across of the law, parents will be able to protect or [email protected]. data is saying and appointed principal. Facing an audience of anxious par-
other events “Introduce a Girl
to Engineering Day” on Feb. 21. succeed. the country; conversations their children’s privacy and school officials The Achiever contains news and information
about and from public and private organiza-
what we’re doing ents at open house night, she vowed, “We’re going to
No Child Left Behind has with school officials, parents will know how to act decisively and quickly be more deliberate with the way we deliver instruc-
Visit http://www.eweek.org,
or call 703-684-2852. ushered in a new era in American education and education experts; and advice and free to maintain school safety when threats
tions for the reader’s information. Inclusion
does not constitute an endorsement by the
about the data.” tion, and we’re going to deliver instruction with
U.S. Department of Education of any products
since it was first signed into law in 2002. resources for parents and educators. arise. Among the issues addressed are more rigor.”
or services offered or views expressed. This
At a time when our student population is To learn about viewing options, including > Exceptions to the rule, including publication also contains hyperlinks and URLs Today, Venetian Hills—where all but a handful
becoming more diverse, educators and webcasts, visit http://www.ed.gov/edtv, or disclosures that involve information created and maintained by outside organiza-
tions and provided for the reader’s > continued on page 3
students are rising to the challenge and call toll-free 1-800-USA-LEARN. convenience. The Department is not responsi-
ble for the accuracy of this information.

5 6
> continued > continued
from page 1 from page 1

of students qualify for “Whenever you put something on display, place in both the environment and the quality instruction to students falling behind, while to intervening with a utility company to
2005. In the eighth grade,
eight districts recorded increases
> In reading, four districts showed increases
in scores in the fourth grade compared to
The 11 districts participating in the Trial
Urban District Assessment included: Atlanta, the free lunch program—
has been given a new label:
you’re going to have to explain it,” said Davis.
“When they see their teacher’s name on the
of teaching as a result of this program.”
Project GRAD offers a network of interven-
Hands On Atlanta, Pomona Park Community
and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. provide
prevent a family’s lights from being turned
off. In making home visits, monitoring stu-
Venetian Hills
with 2005.
compared to 2003, and six dis-
tricts had higher average scores compared
2002, and two districts had higher average
scores than in 2005, while two districts
showed increases in the eighth-grade scores
Austin, Boston, Charlotte-Mecklenburg,
Chicago, Cleveland, District of Columbia,
Houston, Los Angeles, New York City and
2007 No Child Left Behind–
Blue Ribbon School, the highest
board, they want to know, ‘Why is that bar
here? And why is this teacher’s bar there?’ …
tions addressing both school and family life
from grades K to 12. The 16-year-old program,
tutoring for children during and after school.
Also, through a Reading First grant from the
dent attendance and building community
partnerships, her goal is simply to minimize
Elementary School
compared to 2002, and four districts had San Diego. For more information, visit recognition for academic The whole community which was born out of a college scholarship U.S. Department of Education, Venetian Hills those distractions that challenge children
higher average scores than in 2005. http://nationsreportcard.gov. excellence from needs to know intended to curb the dropout rate at one of acquired its own reading coach to further from coming to school or rob them from
the U.S. Depart- what the data is Houston’s lowest-performing high schools, is support K–3 learners. Explains Principal Davis learning when they are there. Woodyard,
Secretary’s Special Services ment of Education. saying and what built on a “feeder system” that consists of a about the various initiatives, “By 2014, we’re who worked for departments of family

Corner~ sharpened focus on what is most

effective: making sure these programs This March, the U.S. Department
Student perform-
ance has improved
we’re doing about
the data.”
high school and all the elementary and middle
schools that send students into it. The model
expected to have all of our children reading
on grade level. We’re not going to wait until
and children services for 20 years, said the
need for this full-time position is essential
are evaluated based on evidence, not sharply during Davis’ While data analy- focuses on five core programs: literacy; math; 2013 to get started.” in disadvantaged schools like hers: “I think
of Education will announce the
opinion. … names of six states chosen to take tenure, with approxi- sis has provided classroom management; social services and As a result, not only has reading perform- it opens everyone’s eyes as to what we’re
“Five years ago, we required our char- part in the development of a new mately 96 percent of its Venetian Hills the parent involvement; and high school, which ance increased—last year, 100 percent of dealing with instead of stereotyping children
acter education programs to evaluate
Photo by Paul Wood

national education center aimed students in grades 3–5 map of the road to promises eligible graduates a $4,000 college third-graders proved at least proficient, with and saying, ‘Oh, this little child cannot learn,’ > Grade Span: K–5
their success based on evidence. At the now performing at grade success, a compre- scholarship. three-fourths exceeding standards—but so not knowing the real dynamics.”
at improving student achieve-
time, this had never been done before, > Locale: Urban
ment, particularly for students level in reading and math, hensive school reform Venetian Hills was among the first cluster of has the motivation to read. “I had one stu- She is also part of the school’s Family Solu-
and those in the field had a lot of ques-
with disabilities. The Department according to the latest data. program called Project GRAD has been the schools to adopt Project GRAD in Atlanta. Imple- dent that did not want to return the book tions Team, which includes the principal and > Total Students: 383
tions. Like, how do you measure success
when student and teacher populations awarded a $5 million grant over Venetian Hills “proves that with hard vehicle that has made progress possible. mentation began with a new curriculum that because he loved it so much,” said the the reading and math specialists, who meet > Race/Ethnicity Enrollment:
are so mobile? And how do you integrate the next five years to the Uni- work, every student can achieve great Superintendent Beverly Hall introduced the allowed for a great deal of professional develop- school’s media specialist, weekly to address such issues and 98% African-American, 2% white
character education with other subjects? versity of South Florida to things,” said Secretary of Education Margaret reform model to Atlanta Public Schools in ment and research-based practices to be put into Sheila Johnson. thereafter with parents to discuss
U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings How do you know if character education establish the Center on State > Free and Reduced-Price Lunch
Spellings, who gave much credit to the 2000, confident it could produce the kind of place. It provides 90 minutes of uninter- “I told him their children’s academic
joined singer Melinda Doolittle (pictured contributed to academic achievement? Implementation and Scaling-up Eligible: 96%
above) and Dave Barger, CEO of JetBlue Air- “My Department worked to answer school’s leadership during a recent visit. change that helped turn around the schools rupted instruction for reading in the there’re other and attendance
of Evidence-based Practices at > English Language Learners: 2%
ways and chair of The League, a nonprofit these and other questions. And the Davis—honored two years ago as one of in Houston where it had been piloted. She morning and another hour and a books you’ll fall progress. In
its Tampa campus, in order to
organization that focuses on educating youths results of those efforts can be found in broaden the use of proven, Georgia’s High Performance Principals, and had seen for herself during a visit to Texas half for math in the afternoon. Stu- in love with too.” addition, once > Special Education Students: 7%
on the importance of philanthropy, for a panel the new guide we’re releasing today. recently as one of six recipients of the Depart- the success Project GRAD—which stands dents are grouped according to their Along with a month the
well-researched > Percentage Proficient*:
discussion about character education at The “It provides a road map to help educa- book giveaways team hosts
education ment’s Terrell H. Bell Award for Exemplary for Graduation Really Achieves Dreams— ability—which is assessed every eight
League’s town hall meeting in New York City tors do what works best. We’ve also
strategies. Leadership—said it all began with analyzing had yielded, such as weeks—giving teachers the and other incen- a morning
on Nov. 5. An excerpt of her remarks follows. started to get our first round of evalua-
“… Schools offer a stable, safe environ- tions from our grantees, and the results Through a test score data. Being promoted to principal, boosting the col- opportunity to work intensively tives funded meeting called
ment to learn not only the lessons of math confirm that students performed better in partnership following positions as assistant principal and lege-bound rate with children on one skill level through Project “Second Cup
and reading but also principles such as self- schools where character education pro- with the teacher at Venetian Hills, “caused me to look by 400 percent. in order to effectively prepare GRAD, Johnson of Coffee” to
respect, integrity, and responsibility. As one grams were well implemented. … I hope universities at my data much, much closer. And not just Teacher and par- them for the next. said the program update parents
teacher put it, ’You build a community in your it will prove a useful resource … as you of Connecti- looking at the data—but tying names into ent response was What’s more, to has engaged stu- on student
classroom. You build a community around the continue this important work.” cut and Oregon, researchers at
Reading Math

school by getting parents involved … and you For a free copy of the guide, Mobi- those numbers,” she explained. highly favorable, supplement literacy dents by “enabling achievement data *According to 2007 results on state exam.
South Florida will work initially
teach children to go out in the world and lizing for Evidence-Based Character Data are drawn from a battery of national, “and most efforts, before the children to take ownership of their learning.” and how far they’ve advanced with school
with the selected states to increase > Interesting Fact: Over the past six years,
make a contribution to the world.’ … Education, visit http://www.ed.gov state and teacher-developed tests that help importantly,” start of school As part of its classroom management feature, reform progress. And, every Thursday, a packet
their capacity to provide the tech- Venetian Hills has moved from being on
“But just like with No Child Left Behind, /programs/charactered/resources.html, or educators pinpoint how well students have added Hall, teachers provide in each group students elect one another of students’ work samples, teachers’ notes,
nical assistance needed by school the state’s list for needing improvement to
the most meaningful contribution [of these call 1-877-4ED-PUBS with identification for roles as team captain, recorder, materials school communication letters and other
districts in such areas as inclusion, mastered academic standards so instruction “the students just additional earning the national honor of Blue Ribbon
character education programs] has been a number ED003813P, while supplies last.
assessments and Individualized Edu- can be tailored accordingly. Data meetings couldn’t say manager, reporter and timekeeper. announcements is sent home for parents’ School.
cation Programs (IEPs) to support are a standard practice among the staff, enough about Another aspect of this reform model that comments and signatures. Photos, from left to right: U.S. Secretary
Charting Progress the achievement of students with involving even the teachers of non-core the changes has been a critical catalyst for change reaches Needless to say, parent participation contin- of Education Margaret Spellings joins
special needs. Lessons learned from subjects such as art and physical educa- that had beyond school doors. As coordinator of social ues to grow, especially encouraged by the first-grader Joshua in a classroom project;
A new report examining the Title I program, these states will be disseminated tion. Colorful bar graphs charting taken services and parent involvement at Venetian increasing success that began with Principal Principal Clarietta Davis with third-graders
which provides federal funding to the nation’s nationwide through a Web site, Prince and Iyana; and kindergarten teacher
each classroom’s progress are perma- Hills, Carrie Woodyard has been involved Davis’ appointment in 2002. “If you can
neediest schools, reveals “substantial progress conferences and publications. ■ Sammie Fryar helps Terrence with his work
nent wall fixtures throughout the in matters from getting medical hook them that first year, you have them on while Demond waits his turn. On the cover,
[was made] in the last six years, but more work
school. They often spark ques- attention for a child who was board with you,” she said. first-grader Tyana. Spellings photo by Scott
needs to be done” to bring every student to
tions among the students. constantly sleeping in class —By Nicole Ashby King. All other photos by Maisie Crow.
the proficient level in reading and math by 2014.
Published in two volumes, the National Assessment of Title I
Final Report provides recent data evaluating 1) the implementa- << Around the Country>>
tion and impact of the program under No Child Left Behind and 2) the effect-
CALIFORNIA—In an effort to prevent more students from created a Web site, http://www.myfuturemydecision.com, to high- TEXAS—More than 20,000 free, new books for adolescent literacy skills of struggling adolescent readers. Since June 2006,
iveness of four remedial reading programs. Among the key findings were that
dropping out of high school, the Los Angeles Unified School light alternative ways of earning a diploma and to describe its students were distributed to Austin-area schools, libraries and the Department, First Book and major book publishers have
more students in most subgroups were performing on grade level, though gains
District (LAUSD) has launched a new campaign targeting at-risk numerous continuation schools and community college programs. community organizations in November, thanks to a collaborative distributed more than 1.65 million children’s books in hurricane-
at the high school level were lagging, and that 75 percent of all schools and
teenagers that will draw on the popularity of Internet Web sites With more than 25 percent of Los Angeles students dropping out effort among the U.S. Department of Education, Townsend Press affected communities and across the country. Most of the titles
districts met their states’ adequate yearly progress (AYP) targets in 2004–05, while such as YouTube and MySpace as well as on radio spots to feature in 2006, LAUSD—the nation’s second-largest district—is seeking to and First Book—a nonprofit organization whose mission is to donated for the Adolescent Readers Initiative are from Townsend
18 percent of Title I schools were identified as needing improvement. For the full testimonials from former dropouts. In addition, the district has reduce the dropout rate by 5 percent this school year. provide books to children in need. The distribution is part of a Press’ Bluford Series, which focuses on a group of urban high
report, visit http://ies.ed.gov/ncee. ■ national campaign to provide 520,000 books to improve the school students and their families.
2 3 4
> continued > continued
from page 1 from page 1

of students qualify for “Whenever you put something on display, place in both the environment and the quality instruction to students falling behind, while to intervening with a utility company to
2005. In the eighth grade,
eight districts recorded increases
> In reading, four districts showed increases
in scores in the fourth grade compared to
The 11 districts participating in the Trial
Urban District Assessment included: Atlanta, the free lunch program—
has been given a new label:
you’re going to have to explain it,” said Davis.
“When they see their teacher’s name on the
of teaching as a result of this program.”
Project GRAD offers a network of interven-
Hands On Atlanta, Pomona Park Community
and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. provide
prevent a family’s lights from being turned
off. In making home visits, monitoring stu-
Venetian Hills
with 2005.
compared to 2003, and six dis-
tricts had higher average scores compared
2002, and two districts had higher average
scores than in 2005, while two districts
showed increases in the eighth-grade scores
Austin, Boston, Charlotte-Mecklenburg,
Chicago, Cleveland, District of Columbia,
Houston, Los Angeles, New York City and
2007 No Child Left Behind–
Blue Ribbon School, the highest
board, they want to know, ‘Why is that bar
here? And why is this teacher’s bar there?’ …
tions addressing both school and family life
from grades K to 12. The 16-year-old program,
tutoring for children during and after school.
Also, through a Reading First grant from the
dent attendance and building community
partnerships, her goal is simply to minimize
Elementary School
compared to 2002, and four districts had San Diego. For more information, visit recognition for academic The whole community which was born out of a college scholarship U.S. Department of Education, Venetian Hills those distractions that challenge children
higher average scores than in 2005. http://nationsreportcard.gov. excellence from needs to know intended to curb the dropout rate at one of acquired its own reading coach to further from coming to school or rob them from
the U.S. Depart- what the data is Houston’s lowest-performing high schools, is support K–3 learners. Explains Principal Davis learning when they are there. Woodyard,
Secretary’s Special Services ment of Education. saying and what built on a “feeder system” that consists of a about the various initiatives, “By 2014, we’re who worked for departments of family

Corner~ sharpened focus on what is most

effective: making sure these programs This March, the U.S. Department
Student perform-
ance has improved
we’re doing about
the data.”
high school and all the elementary and middle
schools that send students into it. The model
expected to have all of our children reading
on grade level. We’re not going to wait until
and children services for 20 years, said the
need for this full-time position is essential
are evaluated based on evidence, not sharply during Davis’ While data analy- focuses on five core programs: literacy; math; 2013 to get started.” in disadvantaged schools like hers: “I think
of Education will announce the
opinion. … names of six states chosen to take tenure, with approxi- sis has provided classroom management; social services and As a result, not only has reading perform- it opens everyone’s eyes as to what we’re
“Five years ago, we required our char- part in the development of a new mately 96 percent of its Venetian Hills the parent involvement; and high school, which ance increased—last year, 100 percent of dealing with instead of stereotyping children
acter education programs to evaluate
Photo by Paul Wood

national education center aimed students in grades 3–5 map of the road to promises eligible graduates a $4,000 college third-graders proved at least proficient, with and saying, ‘Oh, this little child cannot learn,’ > Grade Span: K–5
their success based on evidence. At the now performing at grade success, a compre- scholarship. three-fourths exceeding standards—but so not knowing the real dynamics.”
at improving student achieve-
time, this had never been done before, > Locale: Urban
ment, particularly for students level in reading and math, hensive school reform Venetian Hills was among the first cluster of has the motivation to read. “I had one stu- She is also part of the school’s Family Solu-
and those in the field had a lot of ques-
with disabilities. The Department according to the latest data. program called Project GRAD has been the schools to adopt Project GRAD in Atlanta. Imple- dent that did not want to return the book tions Team, which includes the principal and > Total Students: 383
tions. Like, how do you measure success
when student and teacher populations awarded a $5 million grant over Venetian Hills “proves that with hard vehicle that has made progress possible. mentation began with a new curriculum that because he loved it so much,” said the the reading and math specialists, who meet > Race/Ethnicity Enrollment:
are so mobile? And how do you integrate the next five years to the Uni- work, every student can achieve great Superintendent Beverly Hall introduced the allowed for a great deal of professional develop- school’s media specialist, weekly to address such issues and 98% African-American, 2% white
character education with other subjects? versity of South Florida to things,” said Secretary of Education Margaret reform model to Atlanta Public Schools in ment and research-based practices to be put into Sheila Johnson. thereafter with parents to discuss
U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings How do you know if character education establish the Center on State > Free and Reduced-Price Lunch
Spellings, who gave much credit to the 2000, confident it could produce the kind of place. It provides 90 minutes of uninter- “I told him their children’s academic
joined singer Melinda Doolittle (pictured contributed to academic achievement? Implementation and Scaling-up Eligible: 96%
above) and Dave Barger, CEO of JetBlue Air- “My Department worked to answer school’s leadership during a recent visit. change that helped turn around the schools rupted instruction for reading in the there’re other and attendance
of Evidence-based Practices at > English Language Learners: 2%
ways and chair of The League, a nonprofit these and other questions. And the Davis—honored two years ago as one of in Houston where it had been piloted. She morning and another hour and a books you’ll fall progress. In
its Tampa campus, in order to
organization that focuses on educating youths results of those efforts can be found in broaden the use of proven, Georgia’s High Performance Principals, and had seen for herself during a visit to Texas half for math in the afternoon. Stu- in love with too.” addition, once > Special Education Students: 7%
on the importance of philanthropy, for a panel the new guide we’re releasing today. recently as one of six recipients of the Depart- the success Project GRAD—which stands dents are grouped according to their Along with a month the
well-researched > Percentage Proficient*:
discussion about character education at The “It provides a road map to help educa- book giveaways team hosts
education ment’s Terrell H. Bell Award for Exemplary for Graduation Really Achieves Dreams— ability—which is assessed every eight
League’s town hall meeting in New York City tors do what works best. We’ve also
strategies. Leadership—said it all began with analyzing had yielded, such as weeks—giving teachers the and other incen- a morning
on Nov. 5. An excerpt of her remarks follows. started to get our first round of evalua-
“… Schools offer a stable, safe environ- tions from our grantees, and the results Through a test score data. Being promoted to principal, boosting the col- opportunity to work intensively tives funded meeting called
ment to learn not only the lessons of math confirm that students performed better in partnership following positions as assistant principal and lege-bound rate with children on one skill level through Project “Second Cup
and reading but also principles such as self- schools where character education pro- with the teacher at Venetian Hills, “caused me to look by 400 percent. in order to effectively prepare GRAD, Johnson of Coffee” to
respect, integrity, and responsibility. As one grams were well implemented. … I hope universities at my data much, much closer. And not just Teacher and par- them for the next. said the program update parents
teacher put it, ’You build a community in your it will prove a useful resource … as you of Connecti- looking at the data—but tying names into ent response was What’s more, to has engaged stu- on student
classroom. You build a community around the continue this important work.” cut and Oregon, researchers at
Reading Math

school by getting parents involved … and you For a free copy of the guide, Mobi- those numbers,” she explained. highly favorable, supplement literacy dents by “enabling achievement data *According to 2007 results on state exam.
South Florida will work initially
teach children to go out in the world and lizing for Evidence-Based Character Data are drawn from a battery of national, “and most efforts, before the children to take ownership of their learning.” and how far they’ve advanced with school
with the selected states to increase > Interesting Fact: Over the past six years,
make a contribution to the world.’ … Education, visit http://www.ed.gov state and teacher-developed tests that help importantly,” start of school As part of its classroom management feature, reform progress. And, every Thursday, a packet
their capacity to provide the tech- Venetian Hills has moved from being on
“But just like with No Child Left Behind, /programs/charactered/resources.html, or educators pinpoint how well students have added Hall, teachers provide in each group students elect one another of students’ work samples, teachers’ notes,
nical assistance needed by school the state’s list for needing improvement to
the most meaningful contribution [of these call 1-877-4ED-PUBS with identification for roles as team captain, recorder, materials school communication letters and other
districts in such areas as inclusion, mastered academic standards so instruction “the students just additional earning the national honor of Blue Ribbon
character education programs] has been a number ED003813P, while supplies last.
assessments and Individualized Edu- can be tailored accordingly. Data meetings couldn’t say manager, reporter and timekeeper. announcements is sent home for parents’ School.
cation Programs (IEPs) to support are a standard practice among the staff, enough about Another aspect of this reform model that comments and signatures. Photos, from left to right: U.S. Secretary
Charting Progress the achievement of students with involving even the teachers of non-core the changes has been a critical catalyst for change reaches Needless to say, parent participation contin- of Education Margaret Spellings joins
special needs. Lessons learned from subjects such as art and physical educa- that had beyond school doors. As coordinator of social ues to grow, especially encouraged by the first-grader Joshua in a classroom project;
A new report examining the Title I program, these states will be disseminated tion. Colorful bar graphs charting taken services and parent involvement at Venetian increasing success that began with Principal Principal Clarietta Davis with third-graders
which provides federal funding to the nation’s nationwide through a Web site, Prince and Iyana; and kindergarten teacher
each classroom’s progress are perma- Hills, Carrie Woodyard has been involved Davis’ appointment in 2002. “If you can
neediest schools, reveals “substantial progress conferences and publications. ■ Sammie Fryar helps Terrence with his work
nent wall fixtures throughout the in matters from getting medical hook them that first year, you have them on while Demond waits his turn. On the cover,
[was made] in the last six years, but more work
school. They often spark ques- attention for a child who was board with you,” she said. first-grader Tyana. Spellings photo by Scott
needs to be done” to bring every student to
tions among the students. constantly sleeping in class —By Nicole Ashby King. All other photos by Maisie Crow.
the proficient level in reading and math by 2014.
Published in two volumes, the National Assessment of Title I
Final Report provides recent data evaluating 1) the implementa- << Around the Country>>
tion and impact of the program under No Child Left Behind and 2) the effect-
CALIFORNIA—In an effort to prevent more students from created a Web site, http://www.myfuturemydecision.com, to high- TEXAS—More than 20,000 free, new books for adolescent literacy skills of struggling adolescent readers. Since June 2006,
iveness of four remedial reading programs. Among the key findings were that
dropping out of high school, the Los Angeles Unified School light alternative ways of earning a diploma and to describe its students were distributed to Austin-area schools, libraries and the Department, First Book and major book publishers have
more students in most subgroups were performing on grade level, though gains
District (LAUSD) has launched a new campaign targeting at-risk numerous continuation schools and community college programs. community organizations in November, thanks to a collaborative distributed more than 1.65 million children’s books in hurricane-
at the high school level were lagging, and that 75 percent of all schools and
teenagers that will draw on the popularity of Internet Web sites With more than 25 percent of Los Angeles students dropping out effort among the U.S. Department of Education, Townsend Press affected communities and across the country. Most of the titles
districts met their states’ adequate yearly progress (AYP) targets in 2004–05, while such as YouTube and MySpace as well as on radio spots to feature in 2006, LAUSD—the nation’s second-largest district—is seeking to and First Book—a nonprofit organization whose mission is to donated for the Adolescent Readers Initiative are from Townsend
18 percent of Title I schools were identified as needing improvement. For the full testimonials from former dropouts. In addition, the district has reduce the dropout rate by 5 percent this school year. provide books to children in need. The distribution is part of a Press’ Bluford Series, which focuses on a group of urban high
report, visit http://ies.ed.gov/ncee. ■ national campaign to provide 520,000 books to improve the school students and their families.
2 3 4
> continued > continued
from page 1 from page 1

of students qualify for “Whenever you put something on display, place in both the environment and the quality instruction to students falling behind, while to intervening with a utility company to
2005. In the eighth grade,
eight districts recorded increases
> In reading, four districts showed increases
in scores in the fourth grade compared to
The 11 districts participating in the Trial
Urban District Assessment included: Atlanta, the free lunch program—
has been given a new label:
you’re going to have to explain it,” said Davis.
“When they see their teacher’s name on the
of teaching as a result of this program.”
Project GRAD offers a network of interven-
Hands On Atlanta, Pomona Park Community
and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. provide
prevent a family’s lights from being turned
off. In making home visits, monitoring stu-
Venetian Hills
with 2005.
compared to 2003, and six dis-
tricts had higher average scores compared
2002, and two districts had higher average
scores than in 2005, while two districts
showed increases in the eighth-grade scores
Austin, Boston, Charlotte-Mecklenburg,
Chicago, Cleveland, District of Columbia,
Houston, Los Angeles, New York City and
2007 No Child Left Behind–
Blue Ribbon School, the highest
board, they want to know, ‘Why is that bar
here? And why is this teacher’s bar there?’ …
tions addressing both school and family life
from grades K to 12. The 16-year-old program,
tutoring for children during and after school.
Also, through a Reading First grant from the
dent attendance and building community
partnerships, her goal is simply to minimize
Elementary School
compared to 2002, and four districts had San Diego. For more information, visit recognition for academic The whole community which was born out of a college scholarship U.S. Department of Education, Venetian Hills those distractions that challenge children
higher average scores than in 2005. http://nationsreportcard.gov. excellence from needs to know intended to curb the dropout rate at one of acquired its own reading coach to further from coming to school or rob them from
the U.S. Depart- what the data is Houston’s lowest-performing high schools, is support K–3 learners. Explains Principal Davis learning when they are there. Woodyard,
Secretary’s Special Services ment of Education. saying and what built on a “feeder system” that consists of a about the various initiatives, “By 2014, we’re who worked for departments of family

Corner~ sharpened focus on what is most

effective: making sure these programs This March, the U.S. Department
Student perform-
ance has improved
we’re doing about
the data.”
high school and all the elementary and middle
schools that send students into it. The model
expected to have all of our children reading
on grade level. We’re not going to wait until
and children services for 20 years, said the
need for this full-time position is essential
are evaluated based on evidence, not sharply during Davis’ While data analy- focuses on five core programs: literacy; math; 2013 to get started.” in disadvantaged schools like hers: “I think
of Education will announce the
opinion. … names of six states chosen to take tenure, with approxi- sis has provided classroom management; social services and As a result, not only has reading perform- it opens everyone’s eyes as to what we’re
“Five years ago, we required our char- part in the development of a new mately 96 percent of its Venetian Hills the parent involvement; and high school, which ance increased—last year, 100 percent of dealing with instead of stereotyping children
acter education programs to evaluate
Photo by Paul Wood

national education center aimed students in grades 3–5 map of the road to promises eligible graduates a $4,000 college third-graders proved at least proficient, with and saying, ‘Oh, this little child cannot learn,’ > Grade Span: K–5
their success based on evidence. At the now performing at grade success, a compre- scholarship. three-fourths exceeding standards—but so not knowing the real dynamics.”
at improving student achieve-
time, this had never been done before, > Locale: Urban
ment, particularly for students level in reading and math, hensive school reform Venetian Hills was among the first cluster of has the motivation to read. “I had one stu- She is also part of the school’s Family Solu-
and those in the field had a lot of ques-
with disabilities. The Department according to the latest data. program called Project GRAD has been the schools to adopt Project GRAD in Atlanta. Imple- dent that did not want to return the book tions Team, which includes the principal and > Total Students: 383
tions. Like, how do you measure success
when student and teacher populations awarded a $5 million grant over Venetian Hills “proves that with hard vehicle that has made progress possible. mentation began with a new curriculum that because he loved it so much,” said the the reading and math specialists, who meet > Race/Ethnicity Enrollment:
are so mobile? And how do you integrate the next five years to the Uni- work, every student can achieve great Superintendent Beverly Hall introduced the allowed for a great deal of professional develop- school’s media specialist, weekly to address such issues and 98% African-American, 2% white
character education with other subjects? versity of South Florida to things,” said Secretary of Education Margaret reform model to Atlanta Public Schools in ment and research-based practices to be put into Sheila Johnson. thereafter with parents to discuss
U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings How do you know if character education establish the Center on State > Free and Reduced-Price Lunch
Spellings, who gave much credit to the 2000, confident it could produce the kind of place. It provides 90 minutes of uninter- “I told him their children’s academic
joined singer Melinda Doolittle (pictured contributed to academic achievement? Implementation and Scaling-up Eligible: 96%
above) and Dave Barger, CEO of JetBlue Air- “My Department worked to answer school’s leadership during a recent visit. change that helped turn around the schools rupted instruction for reading in the there’re other and attendance
of Evidence-based Practices at > English Language Learners: 2%
ways and chair of The League, a nonprofit these and other questions. And the Davis—honored two years ago as one of in Houston where it had been piloted. She morning and another hour and a books you’ll fall progress. In
its Tampa campus, in order to
organization that focuses on educating youths results of those efforts can be found in broaden the use of proven, Georgia’s High Performance Principals, and had seen for herself during a visit to Texas half for math in the afternoon. Stu- in love with too.” addition, once > Special Education Students: 7%
on the importance of philanthropy, for a panel the new guide we’re releasing today. recently as one of six recipients of the Depart- the success Project GRAD—which stands dents are grouped according to their Along with a month the
well-researched > Percentage Proficient*:
discussion about character education at The “It provides a road map to help educa- book giveaways team hosts
education ment’s Terrell H. Bell Award for Exemplary for Graduation Really Achieves Dreams— ability—which is assessed every eight
League’s town hall meeting in New York City tors do what works best. We’ve also
strategies. Leadership—said it all began with analyzing had yielded, such as weeks—giving teachers the and other incen- a morning
on Nov. 5. An excerpt of her remarks follows. started to get our first round of evalua-
“… Schools offer a stable, safe environ- tions from our grantees, and the results Through a test score data. Being promoted to principal, boosting the col- opportunity to work intensively tives funded meeting called
ment to learn not only the lessons of math confirm that students performed better in partnership following positions as assistant principal and lege-bound rate with children on one skill level through Project “Second Cup
and reading but also principles such as self- schools where character education pro- with the teacher at Venetian Hills, “caused me to look by 400 percent. in order to effectively prepare GRAD, Johnson of Coffee” to
respect, integrity, and responsibility. As one grams were well implemented. … I hope universities at my data much, much closer. And not just Teacher and par- them for the next. said the program update parents
teacher put it, ’You build a community in your it will prove a useful resource … as you of Connecti- looking at the data—but tying names into ent response was What’s more, to has engaged stu- on student
classroom. You build a community around the continue this important work.” cut and Oregon, researchers at
Reading Math

school by getting parents involved … and you For a free copy of the guide, Mobi- those numbers,” she explained. highly favorable, supplement literacy dents by “enabling achievement data *According to 2007 results on state exam.
South Florida will work initially
teach children to go out in the world and lizing for Evidence-Based Character Data are drawn from a battery of national, “and most efforts, before the children to take ownership of their learning.” and how far they’ve advanced with school
with the selected states to increase > Interesting Fact: Over the past six years,
make a contribution to the world.’ … Education, visit http://www.ed.gov state and teacher-developed tests that help importantly,” start of school As part of its classroom management feature, reform progress. And, every Thursday, a packet
their capacity to provide the tech- Venetian Hills has moved from being on
“But just like with No Child Left Behind, /programs/charactered/resources.html, or educators pinpoint how well students have added Hall, teachers provide in each group students elect one another of students’ work samples, teachers’ notes,
nical assistance needed by school the state’s list for needing improvement to
the most meaningful contribution [of these call 1-877-4ED-PUBS with identification for roles as team captain, recorder, materials school communication letters and other
districts in such areas as inclusion, mastered academic standards so instruction “the students just additional earning the national honor of Blue Ribbon
character education programs] has been a number ED003813P, while supplies last.
assessments and Individualized Edu- can be tailored accordingly. Data meetings couldn’t say manager, reporter and timekeeper. announcements is sent home for parents’ School.
cation Programs (IEPs) to support are a standard practice among the staff, enough about Another aspect of this reform model that comments and signatures. Photos, from left to right: U.S. Secretary
Charting Progress the achievement of students with involving even the teachers of non-core the changes has been a critical catalyst for change reaches Needless to say, parent participation contin- of Education Margaret Spellings joins
special needs. Lessons learned from subjects such as art and physical educa- that had beyond school doors. As coordinator of social ues to grow, especially encouraged by the first-grader Joshua in a classroom project;
A new report examining the Title I program, these states will be disseminated tion. Colorful bar graphs charting taken services and parent involvement at Venetian increasing success that began with Principal Principal Clarietta Davis with third-graders
which provides federal funding to the nation’s nationwide through a Web site, Prince and Iyana; and kindergarten teacher
each classroom’s progress are perma- Hills, Carrie Woodyard has been involved Davis’ appointment in 2002. “If you can
neediest schools, reveals “substantial progress conferences and publications. ■ Sammie Fryar helps Terrence with his work
nent wall fixtures throughout the in matters from getting medical hook them that first year, you have them on while Demond waits his turn. On the cover,
[was made] in the last six years, but more work
school. They often spark ques- attention for a child who was board with you,” she said. first-grader Tyana. Spellings photo by Scott
needs to be done” to bring every student to
tions among the students. constantly sleeping in class —By Nicole Ashby King. All other photos by Maisie Crow.
the proficient level in reading and math by 2014.
Published in two volumes, the National Assessment of Title I
Final Report provides recent data evaluating 1) the implementa- << Around the Country>>
tion and impact of the program under No Child Left Behind and 2) the effect-
CALIFORNIA—In an effort to prevent more students from created a Web site, http://www.myfuturemydecision.com, to high- TEXAS—More than 20,000 free, new books for adolescent literacy skills of struggling adolescent readers. Since June 2006,
iveness of four remedial reading programs. Among the key findings were that
dropping out of high school, the Los Angeles Unified School light alternative ways of earning a diploma and to describe its students were distributed to Austin-area schools, libraries and the Department, First Book and major book publishers have
more students in most subgroups were performing on grade level, though gains
District (LAUSD) has launched a new campaign targeting at-risk numerous continuation schools and community college programs. community organizations in November, thanks to a collaborative distributed more than 1.65 million children’s books in hurricane-
at the high school level were lagging, and that 75 percent of all schools and
teenagers that will draw on the popularity of Internet Web sites With more than 25 percent of Los Angeles students dropping out effort among the U.S. Department of Education, Townsend Press affected communities and across the country. Most of the titles
districts met their states’ adequate yearly progress (AYP) targets in 2004–05, while such as YouTube and MySpace as well as on radio spots to feature in 2006, LAUSD—the nation’s second-largest district—is seeking to and First Book—a nonprofit organization whose mission is to donated for the Adolescent Readers Initiative are from Townsend
18 percent of Title I schools were identified as needing improvement. For the full testimonials from former dropouts. In addition, the district has reduce the dropout rate by 5 percent this school year. provide books to children in need. The distribution is part of a Press’ Bluford Series, which focuses on a group of urban high
report, visit http://ies.ed.gov/ncee. ■ national campaign to provide 520,000 books to improve the school students and their families.
2 3 4
calendar January U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
PRESORTED

&
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
must also show whether or not schools ED PUBS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2008
Magnet Schools Month. P.O. BOX 1398
UNITED STATES POSTAGE PAID
have met their state’s targets for adequate CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD
VOL. 7, NO. 1
As part of the celebration, JESSUP, MD 20794-1398 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
yearly progress (AYP)—the minimum level of PERMIT NO. 557
Magnet Schools of America is
inviting communities to host How can I improvement as measured by student assess-
Publicizing data ments and other academic indicators (e.g., VOL. 7, NO. 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2008
special activities and events and
about student
find out how attendance and graduation rates) that schools
is sponsoring a poster contest
that will conclude on Jan. 25. performance is a my child’s must achieve. Those schools failing to meet
Visit http://www.magnet.edu, critical tool for
promoting account-
school is AYP for two consecutive school years are
identified as “in need of improvement.”
or call 202-824-0672.
ability: It helps doing? In addition to assessment and accountability
parents see where data, report cards should also include infor-
schools and districts are mation on the professional qualifications of
succeeding and where there is still work to do. teachers, including the percentage of classes “Promising Gains” Among
Under the No Child Left Behind Act, states lacking highly qualified teachers in high- versus Urban School Districts
and local districts that receive federal funding low-poverty schools.
I N S I D E Nation’s Report Card Reveals Greatest Increases in Math
must publish annual report cards on how their States and districts should disseminate
schools and students overall are performing. these report cards as early as possible after
According to the latest results from the among the urban district students was better
Jan. 14
These report cards must include test score data
that indicate the percentage of students who
the school year ends so that educators have
critical information for improving instruction
2 Spellings Discusses
Character Education National Assessment of Educational Progress, than the national average.
or the Nation’s Report Card, 11 urban school “No Child Left Behind is working and as a
PTA Art Exhibit Opening, have achieved basic, proficient or advanced and parents can make informed decisions New Report on Title I
regarding public school choice and free tutor- IN THIS ISSUE: districts have nation, our achievement gap is closing,” said
at the U.S. Department of levels on standardized tests in reading and Achievement
Education headquarters in
Washington, D.C., will
math in grades 3–8 and at least once in high
school (as well as on tests in science beginning
ing options. By and large, state and district
report cards are posted on the state’s Web Tying Names New National Education
made steady
improvement
U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings.
“While [the] results point to promising gains
showcase the 2007 winners
of the PTA Reflections Pro-
this school year). Furthermore, this data must
be broken down by the following student
site and may also be available in local schools,
libraries, community centers and other public
to Numbers Center

Around the Country—

in both reading
and math.
among our nation’s urban school districts, much
work remains to ensure all students achieve
gram “My Favorite Place.” subgroups: race/ethnicity, economically dis- locations. PAGE 1 California and Texas Most of the grade-level success by 2014 and that students
For a virtual gallery, visit advantaged, limited English proficient and For information on how your child’s school participating in urban elementary schools—and all schools—
http://pta.browsermedia.com.
To attend, e-mail
students with disabilities.
Based on this achievement data, report cards
is doing, contact the school or the district or
state education office.
5 Calendar
districts in the have the basic reading skills required for success
Q&A—School Report 2007 Trial Urban District Assessment—released in every other subject.”
[email protected]. Cards
in November by the U.S. Department of The report also revealed:
February
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Education News Parents Education’s National Center for Education > In math, eight districts recorded increases
Can Use Statistics—demonstrated greater gains in math. in scores in the fourth grade com-
Black History Month. The In the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy, designated as “directory information”;
The study also showed that, while the gains for pared to 2003, and
Federal Resources for Educa-
tional Excellence (FREE) Web
News Show to Celebrate NCLB’s Sixth Year federal officials conducted a “listening
tour” about school safety and emergency
> The disclosure of images of students
captured on security videotapes; and 6 Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act the low-income and minority student popula- four districts had
site—http://www.free.ed.gov— The January edition of Education News excelling in the classroom. According to preparedness in communities across > The type of disciplinary records that may tions in these districts were typically greater higher average
offers hundreds of teaching Parents Can Use—the Department’s live, the 2007 Nation’s Report Card, reading the country from which several themes be disclosed without a student’s consent. than the national average, in some scores com-
U.S. Department of Education
and learning resources high- monthly television program—will celebrate and math scores are at all-time highs and emerged, including the need for additional For a free copy of these guides, visit 400 Maryland Ave. S.W. cases student performance pared with
lighting the heritage of the sixth anniversary of the No Child achievement gaps are closing. Guests on guidance on the Family Educational Rights http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco Washington, DC 20202
> continued
African-Americans and covers Left Behind Act and showcase January’s show will explore the ways in and Privacy Act (FERPA). /ferpa/safeschools; or call 1-877-4ED-PUBS www.ed.gov
Tying Names to Numbers on page 2
such topics as the Civil Rights schools and districts which higher standards In response, the U.S. Department of with the following identification numbers The Achiever is a monthly publication
Movement, Tuskegee Airmen that have been and accountability, Education has released three new guides— for the guides while supplies last: parents for parents and community leaders
from the Office of Communications and
Data Analysis, Reform Model
and Harriet Tubman. successful in using flexibility and parent for parents, K–12 educators and higher (ED003907H), school officials (ED003906H)
the law’s bedrock N E X T B R O A D C A S T: information and school education officials—on the federal law that and postsecondary officials (ED003905H).
Outreach, U.S. Department of Educa-
tion (ED). Margaret Spellings, secretary.
Turn Around Atlanta School
Feb. 17–23 principles of choice are helping to protects the privacy of students’ education
National Engineers Week, accountability for
results, parent
No Child raise reading and math
test scores for students
records. Generally, FERPA requires schools
to ask for written permission before dis-
Comments? Contact Nicole Ashby,
editor, at 202-401-0689 (fax) or at
[email protected].
“The whole
Six years ago, when Venetian Hills Elementary School
in Atlanta failed once again to meet basic academic stan-
sponsored by the National
Engineers Week Foundation
to highlight the importance
empowerment and
doing what works
Left Behind across the country.
Each month, Education
closing a student’s personally identifiable
information to individuals other than the
Address changes and subscriptions?
Contact 1-877-4ED-PUBS or
[email protected].
community needs
dards, it was identified by the state as “needing improvement”
and ordered to offer students free tutoring or transfers to better-

to close academic Jan. 15, 8–9 p.m. EST News Parents Can Use parent. The guides provide information to know what the performing schools.
of advanced math and science Information on ED programs, resources
At the start of school that same year, Clarietta Davis was
achievement gaps showcases: schools and so that, empowered by an understanding and events? Contact 1-800-USA-LEARN
literacy, will include among
and help all students school districts from across of the law, parents will be able to protect or [email protected]. data is saying and appointed principal. Facing an audience of anxious par-
other events “Introduce a Girl
to Engineering Day” on Feb. 21. succeed. the country; conversations their children’s privacy and school officials The Achiever contains news and information
about and from public and private organiza-
what we’re doing ents at open house night, she vowed, “We’re going to
No Child Left Behind has with school officials, parents will know how to act decisively and quickly be more deliberate with the way we deliver instruc-
Visit http://www.eweek.org,
or call 703-684-2852. ushered in a new era in American education and education experts; and advice and free to maintain school safety when threats
tions for the reader’s information. Inclusion
does not constitute an endorsement by the
about the data.” tion, and we’re going to deliver instruction with
U.S. Department of Education of any products
since it was first signed into law in 2002. resources for parents and educators. arise. Among the issues addressed are more rigor.”
or services offered or views expressed. This
At a time when our student population is To learn about viewing options, including > Exceptions to the rule, including publication also contains hyperlinks and URLs Today, Venetian Hills—where all but a handful
becoming more diverse, educators and webcasts, visit http://www.ed.gov/edtv, or disclosures that involve information created and maintained by outside organiza-
tions and provided for the reader’s > continued on page 3
students are rising to the challenge and call toll-free 1-800-USA-LEARN. convenience. The Department is not responsi-
ble for the accuracy of this information.

5 6
calendar January U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
PRESORTED

&
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
must also show whether or not schools ED PUBS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2008
Magnet Schools Month. P.O. BOX 1398
UNITED STATES POSTAGE PAID
have met their state’s targets for adequate CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD
VOL. 7, NO. 1
As part of the celebration, JESSUP, MD 20794-1398 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
yearly progress (AYP)—the minimum level of PERMIT NO. 557
Magnet Schools of America is
inviting communities to host How can I improvement as measured by student assess-
Publicizing data ments and other academic indicators (e.g., VOL. 7, NO. 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2008
special activities and events and
about student
find out how attendance and graduation rates) that schools
is sponsoring a poster contest
that will conclude on Jan. 25. performance is a my child’s must achieve. Those schools failing to meet
Visit http://www.magnet.edu, critical tool for
promoting account-
school is AYP for two consecutive school years are
identified as “in need of improvement.”
or call 202-824-0672.
ability: It helps doing? In addition to assessment and accountability
parents see where data, report cards should also include infor-
schools and districts are mation on the professional qualifications of
succeeding and where there is still work to do. teachers, including the percentage of classes “Promising Gains” Among
Under the No Child Left Behind Act, states lacking highly qualified teachers in high- versus Urban School Districts
and local districts that receive federal funding low-poverty schools.
I N S I D E Nation’s Report Card Reveals Greatest Increases in Math
must publish annual report cards on how their States and districts should disseminate
schools and students overall are performing. these report cards as early as possible after
According to the latest results from the among the urban district students was better
Jan. 14
These report cards must include test score data
that indicate the percentage of students who
the school year ends so that educators have
critical information for improving instruction
2 Spellings Discusses
Character Education National Assessment of Educational Progress, than the national average.
or the Nation’s Report Card, 11 urban school “No Child Left Behind is working and as a
PTA Art Exhibit Opening, have achieved basic, proficient or advanced and parents can make informed decisions New Report on Title I
regarding public school choice and free tutor- IN THIS ISSUE: districts have nation, our achievement gap is closing,” said
at the U.S. Department of levels on standardized tests in reading and Achievement
Education headquarters in
Washington, D.C., will
math in grades 3–8 and at least once in high
school (as well as on tests in science beginning
ing options. By and large, state and district
report cards are posted on the state’s Web Tying Names New National Education
made steady
improvement
U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings.
“While [the] results point to promising gains
showcase the 2007 winners
of the PTA Reflections Pro-
this school year). Furthermore, this data must
be broken down by the following student
site and may also be available in local schools,
libraries, community centers and other public
to Numbers Center

Around the Country—

in both reading
and math.
among our nation’s urban school districts, much
work remains to ensure all students achieve
gram “My Favorite Place.” subgroups: race/ethnicity, economically dis- locations. PAGE 1 California and Texas Most of the grade-level success by 2014 and that students
For a virtual gallery, visit advantaged, limited English proficient and For information on how your child’s school participating in urban elementary schools—and all schools—
http://pta.browsermedia.com.
To attend, e-mail
students with disabilities.
Based on this achievement data, report cards
is doing, contact the school or the district or
state education office.
5 Calendar
districts in the have the basic reading skills required for success
Q&A—School Report 2007 Trial Urban District Assessment—released in every other subject.”
[email protected]. Cards
in November by the U.S. Department of The report also revealed:
February
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Education News Parents Education’s National Center for Education > In math, eight districts recorded increases
Can Use Statistics—demonstrated greater gains in math. in scores in the fourth grade com-
Black History Month. The In the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy, designated as “directory information”;
The study also showed that, while the gains for pared to 2003, and
Federal Resources for Educa-
tional Excellence (FREE) Web
News Show to Celebrate NCLB’s Sixth Year federal officials conducted a “listening
tour” about school safety and emergency
> The disclosure of images of students
captured on security videotapes; and 6 Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act the low-income and minority student popula- four districts had
site—http://www.free.ed.gov— The January edition of Education News excelling in the classroom. According to preparedness in communities across > The type of disciplinary records that may tions in these districts were typically greater higher average
offers hundreds of teaching Parents Can Use—the Department’s live, the 2007 Nation’s Report Card, reading the country from which several themes be disclosed without a student’s consent. than the national average, in some scores com-
U.S. Department of Education
and learning resources high- monthly television program—will celebrate and math scores are at all-time highs and emerged, including the need for additional For a free copy of these guides, visit 400 Maryland Ave. S.W. cases student performance pared with
lighting the heritage of the sixth anniversary of the No Child achievement gaps are closing. Guests on guidance on the Family Educational Rights http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco Washington, DC 20202
> continued
African-Americans and covers Left Behind Act and showcase January’s show will explore the ways in and Privacy Act (FERPA). /ferpa/safeschools; or call 1-877-4ED-PUBS www.ed.gov
Tying Names to Numbers on page 2
such topics as the Civil Rights schools and districts which higher standards In response, the U.S. Department of with the following identification numbers The Achiever is a monthly publication
Movement, Tuskegee Airmen that have been and accountability, Education has released three new guides— for the guides while supplies last: parents for parents and community leaders
from the Office of Communications and
Data Analysis, Reform Model
and Harriet Tubman. successful in using flexibility and parent for parents, K–12 educators and higher (ED003907H), school officials (ED003906H)
the law’s bedrock N E X T B R O A D C A S T: information and school education officials—on the federal law that and postsecondary officials (ED003905H).
Outreach, U.S. Department of Educa-
tion (ED). Margaret Spellings, secretary.
Turn Around Atlanta School
Feb. 17–23 principles of choice are helping to protects the privacy of students’ education
National Engineers Week, accountability for
results, parent
No Child raise reading and math
test scores for students
records. Generally, FERPA requires schools
to ask for written permission before dis-
Comments? Contact Nicole Ashby,
editor, at 202-401-0689 (fax) or at
[email protected].
“The whole
Six years ago, when Venetian Hills Elementary School
in Atlanta failed once again to meet basic academic stan-
sponsored by the National
Engineers Week Foundation
to highlight the importance
empowerment and
doing what works
Left Behind across the country.
Each month, Education
closing a student’s personally identifiable
information to individuals other than the
Address changes and subscriptions?
Contact 1-877-4ED-PUBS or
[email protected].
community needs
dards, it was identified by the state as “needing improvement”
and ordered to offer students free tutoring or transfers to better-

to close academic Jan. 15, 8–9 p.m. EST News Parents Can Use parent. The guides provide information to know what the performing schools.
of advanced math and science Information on ED programs, resources
At the start of school that same year, Clarietta Davis was
achievement gaps showcases: schools and so that, empowered by an understanding and events? Contact 1-800-USA-LEARN
literacy, will include among
and help all students school districts from across of the law, parents will be able to protect or [email protected]. data is saying and appointed principal. Facing an audience of anxious par-
other events “Introduce a Girl
to Engineering Day” on Feb. 21. succeed. the country; conversations their children’s privacy and school officials The Achiever contains news and information
about and from public and private organiza-
what we’re doing ents at open house night, she vowed, “We’re going to
No Child Left Behind has with school officials, parents will know how to act decisively and quickly be more deliberate with the way we deliver instruc-
Visit http://www.eweek.org,
or call 703-684-2852. ushered in a new era in American education and education experts; and advice and free to maintain school safety when threats
tions for the reader’s information. Inclusion
does not constitute an endorsement by the
about the data.” tion, and we’re going to deliver instruction with
U.S. Department of Education of any products
since it was first signed into law in 2002. resources for parents and educators. arise. Among the issues addressed are more rigor.”
or services offered or views expressed. This
At a time when our student population is To learn about viewing options, including > Exceptions to the rule, including publication also contains hyperlinks and URLs Today, Venetian Hills—where all but a handful
becoming more diverse, educators and webcasts, visit http://www.ed.gov/edtv, or disclosures that involve information created and maintained by outside organiza-
tions and provided for the reader’s > continued on page 3
students are rising to the challenge and call toll-free 1-800-USA-LEARN. convenience. The Department is not responsi-
ble for the accuracy of this information.

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