July 2014 archive

Doubling Math Classes in Middle School: Plus or Minus?

A new report in Curriculum Matters from Stanford University’s Center for Education Policy Analysis reports on success and also limited success in a double up on math classes in middle school. A study in Miami-Dade County district of students assigned to a double course of math (regular and remedial) compared resulting scores on state standard tests. At …

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Instructional Leader or Building Manager?

If you are unaware of that time in education history and practices in Virginia when individuals were selected to be building principals based on their ability to “run a tight ship,” then you may not have a clear frame of reference for this blog.  In the late 1970’s into the early 1980’s, many principals, particularly at …

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VASSP President Chosen for SOL Innovation Committee

The Standards of Learning Innovation Committee has been formed and the committee will have the first meeting on July 15, 2014 in Richmond.  This committee has been tasked with taking a comprehensive look at Virginia’s Standards of Learning system. According to Governor McCauliffe, “This is the first step in ensuring that our education system works …

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Have You Heard the Blueberry Story?

If you were in attendance at the 87th Virginia Middle and High School Principals Conference & Exposition, your answer would be “of course..it was the focus presentation for the Opening General Session on Monday, July 30th.”  If you did attend , you know that Mr. Jamie Vollmer, author and speaker, provided principals and assistant principals with a classic …

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VADOE Announces Flexibility Agreement

The U S Department of Education has announced that Virginia’s request for an extension of the flexibility waiver for the commonwealth’s Elementary and Secondary Education programs has been approved. This waiver will grant Virginia schools relief from No Child Left Behind-era sanctions and requirements.  “Today’s (June 3rd) decision to extend the flexibility waiver allows Virginia and its …

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VASSP Elects 2014-2015 President

The 87th Annual VASSP Virginia Middle & High School Principals Conference & Exposition was held June 27-July 2, 2014 in Williamsburg, Virginia and elected Dr. Brian Matney as VASSP President for 2014-2015.  Dr. Matney is Principal of Landstown High School in the Virginia Beach School Division. Among Dr. Matney’s credentials are: 2006 Outstanding High School Principal VASSP …

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