NH EDUCATIONAL NEWS


RACE TO THE TOP - Race to the Top grants were included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and were eligible to states that proposed educational innovations.  Race to the Top proposals were to be submitted on a state level.  (It is important to note that Epping Schools are presently receiving ARRA funds distributed through the existing Title 1 and IDEA grants.  This is not to be confused with Race to the Top.) 

Race to the Top grants were awarded to states that proposed educational reforms in the area of effective teachers and leaders, data systems, standards and assessments, and struggling schools.  Approximately $9 billion was awarded.  The NH Department of Education (NHDOE)  applied for both rounds, but did not meet the criteria and as a result was not a Race to the Top finalist.  However, the state did receive a Charter Grant as a result of the legislature lifting the moratorium on creating charter schools. 

The Epping School District submitted proposals for both rounds.  This result was disappointing as the district's proposal met the criteria and had full support from the Superintendent, School Board, and Teachers' Association.  During the preliminary discussion to participate or not, it was decided to move forward regardless of the outcome.  This decision was based on the fact that Race to the Top would serve as a pilot for the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind and the allocation of Title Grant Funding.  Also, the District was moving forward with its own reform model which incorporated some of the Race to the Top initiatives.  Although the district did not receive funding, this experience helped shape our future direction.  Please click here to see the Epping School District Reform Model.

Included in the district's proposal was a position to coordinate and implement the District Reform Model.  In the event that the grant was not received, the district included half of this position in the budget and placed the other half in federal funding targeted for professional development.   This position serves as a teacher coach and administrative consultant to improve student learning and professional learning.  The primary function is to provide professional learning services to teachers in the classroom, on professional learning teams and district committees, and on a larger scale school/district wide.  Please click here to see the job description for the Director of Professional Learning.

COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS INITIATIVE - On July 8th the State Board of Education adopted the Common Core State Standards developed by the Council of Chief State School Officers and the National Governor's Association.  Common Core State Standards were developed in English language arts and mathematics.  The English language arts standards include science, social studies, and technical components.  This adoption will require a transition from the current NH Curriculum Frameworks to the Common Core State Standards over the next five years.  Please click here to see the Common Core State Standards.

DROPOUT AND GRADUATION RATES - The NHDOE will be using a new method to calculate dropout and graduation rates.  Using this new rate GED students will not be considered dropouts. 

However, GED students will not be considered graduates.  Only students who have received a diploma that meets the minimum NH standards will be considered high school graduates.

NH ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM - Senate Bill 180 (now RSA 193-E) completes the Supreme Court order to define, cost out, and create an accountability system for schools receiving adequate education funding from the state.  The accountability system includes an input based system and a performance based system. 

The input system requires that school officials input a narrative explanation of how the school complies with each of the following 12 adequacy standards:

  1. English/language arts and reading
  2. Mathematics
  3. Science
  4. Social studies
  5. Arts education
  6. World language
  7. Health education
  8. Physical education
  9. Technology education
  10. Information and communication technologies
  11. School year
  12. Minimum credits for a high school diploma.

This system does not replace the existing school approval process; it is in addition with the remaining 36 minimum standards being evaluated every 5 years.

The task force is still working on the performance based system.  Starting in 2011-2012 schools will be evaluated using both systems.  A school that satisfies one or both of these systems will have demonstrated accountability for state adequacy funding.




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