An OSBA newsletter for school board members on the No Child Left Behind Act — December 2006

Curriculum issues                                                                               by Rob Delane, director of school board development
Star Schools Program serves the underserved
The Star Schools Program supports distance education projects that encourage improved instruction in mathematics, science, foreign languages and other subjects, and serve underserved populations, including disadvantaged, nonreading and limited-English proficient (LEP) students, and individuals with disabilities. For more information visit: www.ed.gov/programs/starschools/index.html.

Legal issues                                                                                                  by Hollie Reedy, deputy director of legal services
Achievement gaps still loom large
The achievement gaps among students according to race, disability, low income and limited-English proficiency remain stark and disappointing. Comparing performance in eighth-grade mathematics alone, students as a group performed at 68.6% at or above proficiency — white students at 75.3%, African-American students at 39.3%, disadvantaged students at 49.1% and LEP students at 49%. There is no way to avoid the conclusion that these are hugely significant gaps illustrating the statewide performance of students based on disaggregating achievement data.

Data analysis: It’s up to you, too
The best thing about data is that you may look at the numbers and compare them for yourself, instead of relying on the rose-colored glasses or the grimly painted portraits of various analysts rushing to comment on the numbers. Download as much or as little as you like at the Ohio Department of Education’s report card page: www.ode.state.oh.us/reportcard/default.asp.

Legislative issues                                                                                     by Fred Pausch, director of legislative services
Ohio in the hunt for pilot program
In November 2005, U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings announced a pilot program for qualified states to request the use of growth-based accountability models called, New Path for the No Child Left Behind Act. This set of common-sense principles and approaches guides states as they measure their progress in meeting important NCLB “bright line” goals so their fairness and effectiveness can be evaluated. Ohio has applied for one of the pilot programs for which 10 states will be selected. These goals include annually assessing all students in grades 3-8, as well as those in high school; breaking down results by student subgroup to help close achievement gaps; improving teacher quality; and informing parents of their options in a timely manner. The ultimate goal is for all children achieving at grade level or better in reading and mathematics by 2014.