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| News from the President |  |
Middle-Level Strategy Vote Postponed submitted by Alta Jo Longware on
01/16/2005
On January 10th, the Regents were scheduled to approve the Middle-Level Reform Strategy proposal dated December 22, 2004. However, after an extended question and answer period, the committee agreed to postpone the vote. The Regents’ questions which were directed to Mr. Kadamus focused mainly on the “selective program refinement” option of Model C. Their questions addressed NYSTEA concerns with the less restrictive application process, assurance that applicants are true to the intent of the flexibility provisions, and teacher certification requirements.
Mr. Kadamus said that although BOCES District Superintendents would review and recommend applications for approval, SED would have the final approval. He also assured the Regents that it would not be possible to eliminate programs, and the intent was that only certified teachers would team or co-teach integrated courses.
At the end of the discussion, it was apparent that the Regents were concerned with the fact that there was no limit on the number of schools that could apply and be approved for “selective program refinement” and that the applications would most likely request relief from the unit of study requirement. They expressed their disapproval that the less restrictive criteria for applications for “selective program refinement”, was not what had been agreed upon earlier in the process.
NYSTEA is encouraged that the Regents recognize that districts may use the flexibility offered under Model C to selectively reduce Technology education and other programs without a mandated State assessment. The Regents did make it clear that they want language to clarify the intent of the provisions which is to reflect program improvement, not reduction or elimination, and to specify that the intent be followed.
At previous meetings the Regents had indicated their willingness to approve the three-model proposal with their suggested changes. At this time, it is unclear what changes in language will be made to the “selective program refinement” option, or it will even remain an option under Model C. NYSTEA recommended that the Board of Regents limit the total number districts utilizing Model C to 50. Establishing this guideline will ensure the monitoring of the intent, implementation and assessment of results is done appropriately and sufficiently protects the students’ learning and development, and will yield more reliable indicators of the plan’s success.
NYSTEA will remain a pro-active partner in the Middle-Level Reform process. We will continue to work with key individuals who share our concerns, to tighten up the language to ensure that these programs will not be selectively reduced or rather than improved.
The NYSTEA If you have any questions about the Strategy or how it may affect your students and programs, please contact me at AJLatNYSTEA@westelcom.com.
More info at this external link:http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/deputy/Documents/dsnews/.
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