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TITLE Community Update: Goals 2000. 1995-96. INSTITUTION Department of Education, Washington, DC. PUB DATE 96 NOTE 68p.; For the 1994-95 issues (n12-22), see ED 381 151. PUB TYPE Collected Works Serials (022) JOURNAL CIT Community Update; n23-33 1995-96

EDRS PRICE MF01/PC03 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Community Development; *Educational Improvement; *Educational Objectives; Elementary Secondary Education; *Family Involvement; Futures (of Society); Learning Activities; *Meetings; *National Programs; Newsletters; Statewide Planning IDENTIFIERS *Goals 2000; National Education Goals 1990

ABSTRACT This document consists of the 11 issues of the newsletter "Community Update" which were published between April 1995 and March 1996. The newsletter provides information to help schools and communities reach the National Education Goals. Each issue contains announcements of monthly satellite town meetings, topics to be discussed in upcoming town meetings, developments and issues related to Goals 2000, and news of state and local planning for Goals 2000. Also included in this series of issues are updates on the Family Involvement Partnership for Learning, reports of other types of partnerships in education, and a schedule of meeting broadcasts on cable television's Mind Extension University. (BEW)

*********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office ot Educational Research aridtrnorovernern EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) 0 This document has been reproducedas received from the person or organization originating it. 0 Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality.

Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy.

Community Update: April 1995-March 1996

by U.S. Dept. of Education

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No. 23, April 1995 U.S. Department of Communities Use To Alachua County, which includes Gainesville, an Education organized discussion is held after every Town Meetings to Engage the Meeting, led by a school improvement facilitator. Public in Reform The event is publicized district-wide and is open to everyone. "After viewing the Town Meeting, n scores of cities and small towns across the people feel comfortable sharing the things they're I1. country, the Satellite Town Meetings are now doing at their school sites that are impacting being broadcast on cable stations. In addition, students' lives," said facilitator Bill Herschleb. many communities have found creative ways to In York, Pennsylvania, a local library has taken use the Town Meetings to encourage local in- the lead to be not only a downlink site for viewing volvement with school improvement campaigns. the Town Meetings but also the point from which Building their own programs the program is broadcast to the greater commu- around the Town Meetings, nity. The Martin Library in York has teamed with " tiniunguld local groups extend the York Community Access Television, Channel 16, ---.75M1discussion of the national so that the Town Meetings are now broadcast to forum, focusing on the 55,000 area homes. This way parents who have issues of highest priority to young children and cannot attend an evening their communities and the meeting are still able to view the program. "Our specific challenges facing idea is to provide this to people in their homes so their schools. they can see what's going on at the national level," In Savannah, Georgia, said Martin Library business manager Frances radio station WEAS has Keller. carried the Satellite Town The Lake County Business Industry Education .1tA Meetings live and has added Consortium (BIEC) in Illinois downlinks the its own programming to Town Meetings for their area, which includes the highlight local issues. The city of Waukegan. The Lake County BIEC is a station's involvement with nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the Town Meetings grew partnerships between businesses and schools. A into a full partnership with discussion is planned before and after the Town the community that now Meeting, led by a prominent community leader or includes a wide range of another facilitator. The Lake County BIEC also activities. Led by general makes videotapes of the Town Meetings available "Math and Science: manager Rick Whitson, WEAS' efforts include to the public. Education for the 21st conducting on the air" campaigns at local schools Some communities have held special events in Century" was the topic several times weekly to encourage and increase of the March Town connection with a Town Meeting of particular Meeting. See details attendance, recognizing outstanding teachers, interest to their local residents. The January 17 on p. 5. holding essay and other educational contests for Town Meeting on school-to-work programs students, and matching young people with local inspired a number of special events. employment opportunities. WEAS also teams In Puyallup, Washington, the PTA at Ridgecrest with a local TV station for a program broadcast on Elementary School teamed with the chamber of both radio and television that is based on each commerce, business leaders, and other members of month's feature story in Community Update. the community to arrange for a downlink site at a In the north central Florida community of local high school. The group obtained a grant from the state PTA to help finance the event, and See Reform. p. 2 use the facility as a downlink site. Other possible April Town Meeting Will sites are local schools, public libraries, community Discuss Preparing colleges, cable television stations, universities and technical schools, government offices, hospitals, Children for Success in businesses, hotels, or even private residences with satellite dishes. Call I-800-USA-LEARN for School further information or to register your participa- tion. MI Recognizing that parents are children's first and continuing teachers, the April Satellite "No one disagrees with the fact that Town Meeting will focus on National Education Goal One that all children in America will education is largely a state matter when start school ready to learn. Entitled "Ready to it comes to funding, and a local matter Learn: How Families and Communities Can when it comes to teaching and learning. Prepare Children for Success in School," the But global education and global program will explore ways to help all children competition will go hand in hand. There reach their full potential throughout their school must be some idea in our country of the careers, and beyond. The hour-long Town Meeting will be broadcast world-class standards of excellence we live on Tuesday, April 18, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern need to really meet the challenges of the time from the studios of PBS member station future." WLRN in Miami, Florida. The program is being President Clinton produced with help from the National Health and Remarks to the National PTA Legislative Education Consortium, the Florida Health and Conference Education Consortium, the Florida Parent Teacher Association, and USA Today. A simul- Washington, D.C. taneous broadcast in Spanish will include the March 14, 1995 service of taking callers' questions and providing answers in Spanish. from Reform, p. 1 U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Madeleine these funds were matched by Matsushita Semi- Kunin will host a panel of guests who are conductor Corporation of America. The involving parents, school staff, businesses, and Matsushita Corporation also provided a satellite community groups in successful partnerships to dish. improve learning readiness. Topics of discus- Judy Rearden led the efforts to downlink the sion will include what "ready to learn" means; School to Work Town Meeting. "Our kids are what roles parents, families, and communities not just competing against the kids in New York have in getting children ready to learn; the City and the kids in this state; they're competing connection between learning and health and against the world," she said. "If we don't create nutrition; and the range of services and organiza- partnerships to give them the best education, how tions that should be coordinated with schools in can we expect the best out of them?" order to ensure learning readiness. In California, Kaiser Permanente sponsored The Department of Education produces the downlink sites for the School to Work Town Satellite Town Meeting series in partnership with Meeting in four of their facilities. Two offices in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Sponsors ot oie Oakland participated, including the Northern 1994-95 series include Miles, Inc., The Procter California Regional Headquarters, along with and Gamble Fund, SC Johnson Wax, and the offices in South San Francisco and Redwood Corporation for Public Broadcasting. City. Satellite coordinates are as follows.... Kaiser is in partnership with the Oakland Galaxy 3, Transponder/Channel 20; School District, contributing to a successful Vertical Polarization; Downlink Frequency school-to-work program. Rita Sklar of Kaiser 41o0; Audio Subcarriers 6.2 (Spanish) and 6.8 coordinated the downlink site at the regional (English); Orbital Location: 93.5 degrees West. headquarters office. "My intent was to give ku-banc.: SBS-6, Transponder 17H; Hori- people involved in pieces of the school -to-work zontal Polarization; Downlink Frequency 12110; effort the big picture. I think people got that out Audio Subcarriers 6.2 (Spanish) and 6.8 (En- of the program." glish); Orbital Location: 95 degrees West. Does your community build its own programs To participate in the Satellite Town Meeting, around the Satellite Town Meetings? Please you can contact your local Public Broadcasting write to us about what you're doing at COMMU- System (PBS) member station, Wal-Mart or NITY UPDATE, U.S. Department of Education, Sam's Club, Chamber of Commerce, or Johnson 600 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 3265, Controls branch office and ask if your group can Washington, D.C., 20202-3521. E 4 r: ; to 1.7 I I ' Lai "i Involvement Partnership for Learning

The Family Involvement U.S. Secretary of Education Rici 1rd Partnership for Learning W. Riley was featured in the cover story of the March 19 issue of Parade Is Growing! Magazine, which has a distribution of A Message from Sue Ferguson, Chair, National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education 66 million readers. "The beginning place of a child's education is a The mission of the national Family Involve- parent's expectations of a child's ment Partnership for Learning is to promote ability," Riley was quoted In the piece.. 4 children's learning through the development of family/school/community partnerships. The national Family Involvement Partnership for New Resources on Family Learning began as a cooperative effort between the U.S. Department of Education and the National Involvement Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education (NCPIE). NCPIE, a coalition of over 50 national The following brochures, adapted from the education and advocacy organizations, has been Education Department report Strong Fami- meeting for more than fifteen years to advocate the lies, Strong Schools, give tips for parents, irvolvement of families in their children's educa- schools, businesses, and communities on how tion and to promote relationships among home, they can participate in and support family in- school and community that can enhance the volvement in learning. Call 1-800-USA-LEARN education of all children and youth. Following to request copies of these.materials. Secretary Riley's State of American Education speech in February 1994, where he spoke of the Get Involved! How Parents and Families Can value of family involvement in education, NCPIE Help Their Children Do Better in School and the U.S. Department of Education began a dialogue about ways to promote family involve- Team up for Kids! How Schools Can Support ment and the national Family Involvement Partner- Family Involvement in Education ship for Learning emerged. The Partnership now consists of more than one Be Family-Friendly: It's Good Business! How hundred groups. It represents parents, schools, Businesses Can Support Family Involvement communities, religious groups, and businesses and in Education the number keeps growing. Whenever and wher- ever the Partnership is mentioned, there is always Join Together For Kids! How Communities a genuine acknowledgment of its need.._::: Can Support Family Involvement in Education school. "The aim of the Parent-Teen Dialogue program is to create a safe environment for conversation, so that a student's confidence is strengthened at home and at school. The more raI. confident students are, the more they will achieve Wit at school, and the better prepared their homework and other assignments will be." Other topics in the B'nai B'rith Parent-Teen Dialogue program address values and ethics such as charity, intergenerational concerns and vio- lence. The material can be adapted for use in a non-denominational setting. For additional information, contact: Rabbi Bruce Aft, Congregation Adat Reyim, 6500 Westbury Oaks Court, Springfield, Va. 22152. Does your religious community have a family involvement in learning program that you could share with us? Write the Family Involvement (from left to right) Partnership for Learning, 600 Independence Ave., Deputy Secretary of S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202-8173. Education Madeleine Spotlight: A Religious Kunin, Father William Davis, OSFS, and Community Involves Secretaty of Education Richard Riley. Father Families in Learning Riley's Basics Dmvis represented the Education Secretary Richard Riley has outilined United States Catholic Editor's note: Leaders of more than 30 the following good practices for families: Conference, Office of religious organizations, representing some Education at the press Find time to learn together with your children. conference where the 75 percent of religiously affiliated Americans, Statement of Common recently issued a "Statement of Common Pur- Commit yourself and your children to chal- Purpose was intro- pose," declaring their support for the national lenging standardshelp children reach their duced. Family Involvement Partnerslzip for Learning. full potential. Below is an example of one congregation's efforts. Rabbi Bruce Aft of Congregation Adat Reyim in Limit TV viewing to no more than two hours Springfield, Va., has introduced a program to the on school nights. synagogue membership that aims to strengthen Read together. It's the starting point of all communication between parents and teens around learning. issues related to children's learning. Through the Parent-Teen Dialogue program of the B'nai B'rith Encourage your children to take the tougher Center for Jewish Family Life, parents and teens courses at school and check their homework come together in a family's home for a series of every day. meetings to discuss important Make sure your children go to school every issues with educational signifi- "(We need) to help parents day and support community efforts to keep cance, such as honesty, commu- children safe and off the streets late at night. understand, in layman's nity service, and the Holocaust. terms, exactly what their Through this learning process, Set a good example for your children, and talk children must know and be participants gain knowledge about directly to them about the dangers of drugs and a topic and are encouraged to alcohol and the values you want them to have. able to do in order to meet Listen to them, too. 21st century standards of study more about it. competency." Rabbi Aft serves as facilitator. "What has occurred with this FIND US ON THE INTERNET Hugh B. Price, President program is an increased opportu- nity for parents and teens to talk to To reach the Education Department via National Urban League each other," he said. "We have Internet regarding family involvement opened doors which may have activities and resources, use our gopher been closed for a long time. After a recent ses- server address: sion, a parent commented. 'thank you for reintro- gopher.ed.gov ducing me to my daughter!" or select >North America> Ofra Fisher, Director for the B'nai B'rith Center for Jewish Family Life, notes that the Parent-Teen USA>General>US Department of Dialogue program has resulted in parents being Education from All/Other Gophers on your more engaged in their children's learning at system. 6 "What we're trying to do with RISE in Minne- Town Meeting Audience apolis is bring the whole community together in the pr xess of developing standards for the Sees Firsthand How Math children in our schools," Hoben said. "Hopefully, and Science Can Come by being at the table, they will be able to make known their resources, and those resources will be Alive buiit into the program from the beginning." Exploring how math and science education Secretary of Education Richard Riley clarified need to change to prepare students for the that the foundation for high standards is a solid 21st century, the March Satellite Town Meeting grounding in basic math and science education. discussed innovative teaching strategies and ways "It's so important for people to realize that we to reach out to parents and the community for their still have to have basic knowledge to have higher support. level thinking on subject matter," he said. Actively engaging students in hands-on math The question arose of whether the use of and science learning was a theme throughout the calculators, computers, and related technology program, exemplified by a look at the Interacti,:e interfered with students' getting a foundation in Mathematics Program (IMP). Developed by San the basics in math and science. Joel Albright, a Francisco State University, this four-year high high school teachet and head of the math depart- school curriculum has been adopted by schooN in ment at Douglas High School in South Dakota, 12 states. uses a computer program in his geometry class- The audience got another look at hands-on room to help students discover theorems for learning with an in-studio demonstration. The themselves. "If used right, technology can help experiment used lasers to show that sound waves students not only become better math students, have their own vibrations and wave lengths, and but become more intuitive math students," he was performed by Solomon Burnett, a ninth-grade said. "The students get an ownership of math student volunteer at the museum of Life and concepts." Science in Durham, North Carolina. Solomon Several panelists spoke of their programs to link explained the experiment to a group of middle math and science learning to the real world. school students from Thomas Jefferson Middle Robert Powell is a youth program specialist at the School in Arlington, Virginia. North Carolina Museum of Life and Science in In a live satellite uplink from Los Angeles, Durham. Powell's prograin helped to train California, an innovative distance learning project Solomon Burnett who performed the in-studio called TEAMS was introduced, which also utilizes demonstration. "Young people like Solomon do hands-on learning. TEAMS provides math and real work at the museum," Powell said. "They science instruction to students, teachers, and work as explainers on the exhibit floor and help parents via satellite, and is being used in 20 states. the animal department with its daily tasks. That TEAMS instruction proceeds in a step-by-step in turn lets them know that they can be positive format, so that participants can turn off the televi- contributors to the community." sion at different intervals and perform the experi- Gertrude Clarke is executive director of the ments themselves. New Jersey Business/Industry/Science/Education Gary Widdison, a TEAMS studio teacher, and Consortium in Whippany, New Jersey. The Zelda Fisher, a classroom teacher from Clifford consortium is a nonprofit partnership that works Street Elementary School in Los Angeles, spoke to improve the teaching and learning of science, about their involvement with TEAMS. "Children math, computer science, and technology for K-12 learn that there's more than one right answer," students. "We think it's important that scientists said Fisher. "They're given an opportunity to and engineers and others on all aspects of the explore and reach conclusions and make decisions career ladders in the real world get to assist the for themselves. All of a sudden, instead of feeling schools," Clarke said. like a failure, they're allowed an opportunity to Virginia Thompson focuses on creating partner- feel like a success." ships with parents as the director of Family Math, The need to have challenging math and science based at the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berke- standards emerged as another theme in the pro- ley, California. "Parents probably exert the major gram. In-studio guest Patricia Hoben spoke of her influence in their children's learning," Thompson efforts in Minneapolis, Minnesota to rally the said. "Family values and expectations are what's entire community around improved science going to carry through in the children's lives. We standards. She is coordinator of the Minneapolis expect children to learn to read outside the school Regional Initiative in Science Education called as well as inside the school. We need that same RISE. RISE is a national project with the goal of kind of experience in math and science." At the Town Meeting's close, Deputy Secretary ,creating local partnerships of teachers, scientists, and others who want to improve science education Madeleine Kunin summed up the main points of in their communities. See Math and Science, p. 6 U S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCAnoN POSTAGE AND FEES PAID WASHINGTON, D C. 20202-4498 U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUDATION Permit NO 0-17 OFFICIAL BUSINESS PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300

Issue No. 23

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Ms . June Smith EriciIr Aquintions Secretary 030 Huntinston Hall Syracuse University, NY 13244

from Math and Science, p.5 the program. She said the most effective math Schedule for and science programs encourage all students to take math and science courses, including higher Mind level courses such as algebra; use calculators, computers, and related technology as tools for Extension teaching and learning; link math and science to University the real world and job skills required in the workplace; set challenging standards; and involve Rebroadcasts school staff, parents, higher education, businesses and other community groups. of Town "Hopefully we'll see a whole generation of ExinEemasoc3 PJ ILIUM II'VEES31111-TIP" Meetings students who aren't afraid of math and science and who enjoy it," Kunin said.ro Mind Extension University rebroadcasts each GOALS 2000 Satellite Town Meeting, reaching more than 25 million cable homes. The GOALS 2000 STATE PLANNING rebroadcasts occur on Sunday from 3:00 to 4:00 PROCESS UPDATE p.m. Eastern time. Here is the schedule for the remainder of the school year: orty-five states have now received funding Fr under the Goals 2000 Act: Alabama, Alaska, April 23: "Ready to Learn: How Families Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Con- and Communities Can Prepare necticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Children for Success in School" Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, May 21: "Teaching and Learning in Diverse Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Classrooms: High Standards and Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Accountability" Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode June 25: "Learning to Read: Community Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Strategies for Creating More Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wis- Literate Students and Adults" consin. In addition, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Mariana Islands, the CommunityUpdate e: nobbc.tionlho ()Thro of Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Puerto Rico, I11 If") and the Virgin Islands have received grants. For more information on your state's planning Assist:mt Set.,lLify

process, or to find out how you can get involved, Editor : contact your chief state school officer.E. Designer 6/OMAHA 8 I=.11 lik/1 =I/Mk/1k

No. 24, May 1995 U.S. Department of Bipartisan Summit moderated by distinguished journalist and televi- Education sion commentator Hedrick Smith. Deputy Secre- Discusses Making tary of Education Madeleine Kunin, Senator Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico, Governor Roy Romer American Education of Colorado, and Governor John Engler of Michi- World-Class gan were among the roundtable participants. A reflection of problems in education from the Following up on the "Nation At Risk" report business world was offered by Alan Wurtzel, vice- twelve years ago, education leaders from chairman of Circuit City Stores. He said that when across the country participated in a national Circuit City recruits workers for its retail stores, 15 meeting on April 5 to determine how American to 20 people must be interviewed for every job that schools can achieve world-class quality. The is filled. These positions do not require a college "Key to the education, but, according to Wurtzel, most people Future" bipartisan interviewed lack the basic abilities to read, write, summit was interact with the public, and think and solve convened by U.S. problems. Secretary of George Tignor, 1994 Principal of the Year, Education Richard suggested that business can be an important partner W. Riley, former in raising the level of student performance in Secretary of schools. "I'd like to see the local businesses say, Education Terrel 'I'm not going to hire somebody if I don't see a Bell, and Senator transcript, an attendance record, and a discipline James Jeffords (R- record." Vt.), Chairman of The need to build local partnerships between the U.S. Senate schools and businesses, parents, and community Subcommittee on groups was cited by many participants in the Education, Arts, summit. Hugh Price, president of the National and Humanities. Urban League, suggested that effective communi- "The high Education Secretary cation is essential to getting broader community school in my hometown of Rutland, Vermont, involvement in school improvement. "We need a Richard Riley isn't apt to compare itself with Bonn or Beijing, addressed the Key to clear vision of the competencies we want children the Future Summit. but to those of its neighboring towns," Jeffords to have and the kind of education that will nurture (from left to right) said in opening remarks. "That's not good those competencies. That vision has to be compre- Pat Henry, past enough. They're not the competitors." hensible to lay people, and it has to be communi- president of the The summit opened with a roundtable discus- National PTA; cated aggressively." Education Secretary sion in Washington, D.C. that was broadcast via Despite discussion of difficult challenges facing Richard Riley; and satellite to eleven other participating cities, American education, the overall tone of the summit former Education including Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New was positive. "While it is important to point out Secretary Terrel Bell. York, and Seattle. The voices of parents, educa- what's wrong in order to get people motivated, it's tors, students, business and community leaders, also very important to point out what's right," said and local, .-,tate, and national elected officials Deputy Secretary Kunin. "In order to replicate were represented in the discussion, which was success, you have to be able to applaud it, and you

11 I have to be able to recognize it."121 I.

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can work together to make schools More welcom- May Town Meeting Will ing to all families; and how training can support Explore Teaching and teachers and administrators in incorporating students with diverse needs into the classroom. Learning in Diverse The Department of Education produces the Satellite Town Meeting series in partnership with Classrooms the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Sponsors of the Discussing how the cultural diversity of 1994-95 series include Bayer Corporation, The today's classrooms reflects America's Procter and Gamble Fund, SC Johnson Wax, and strength of embracing many cultures and respect- the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. ing individual differences, the May Satellite Satellite coordinates are as follows.... Town Meeting will explore how diversity can be C-Band: Galaxy 3, Transponder/Channel 20; an asset in school reform. Entitled "Teaching and Vertical Polarization; Downlink Frequency 4100; Learning in Diverse Classrooms: High Standards Audio Subcarriers 6.2 (Spanish) and 6.8 (English); and Accountability," the program will look at Orbital Location: 93.5 degrees West. how schools can reach out to students with SBS-6, Transponder 17H; Horizontal unique backgrounds, ability levels, and needs to Polarization; Downlink Frequency 12110; Audio create a schoolwide culture of learning and Subcarriers 6.2 (Spanish) and 6.8 (English); excellence. Orbital Location: 95 degrees West. The hour-long Town Meeting will be broadcast To participate in the Satellite Town Meeting, live on Tuesday, May 16 at 8:30 p.m. Eastern you can contact your local Public Broadcasting time. The program is closed-captioned and is System (PBS) member station, Wal-Mart or Sam's simulcast in Spanish. Club, Chamber of Commerce, or Johnson Controls U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley branch office and ask if your group can use the and Deputy Secretary Madeleine Kunin will host facility as a downlink site. Other possible sites are a conversation with a panel of guests who have local schools, public libraries, community col- led efforts to respond to diverse student popula- leges, cable television stations, universities and tions in their schools and communities. Topics technical schools, government offices, hospitals, of discussion will include how schools can businesses, hotels, or even private residences with address the needs of students with varied lan- satellite dishes. Call 1-800-USA-LEARN for guage backgrounds, abilities, learning styles, and further information or to register your participa- physical capabilities; how parents and schools tion. Fa

"The children of this nation are seeds of greatness for this country of ours. Some of them land in rocky soil, and others land, fortunately, in fertile soil. But to my mind, they all have potential. Our task is to help all of them grow so that wherever they land is a place that gives them challenging high standards and helps build standards of character. Here in this United States of America in 1995, there must be no weeds in the gardens of our schools."

Education Secretary Richard Riley "Ready to Learn: How Families and Communities Can Prepare Children for Key to the Future Summit Success in School" was the topic of the April Town Meeting. See details on Washington, D.C. 115. April 5, 1995

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age, but parents improve their own chances for The Importance of Early success as well. A program called Even Start, Childhood Education which teaches both parenting and literacy skills to by Deputy Secretary of Education Madeleine M. Kunin parents, produces win/win results. Children make significant gains in verbal IQ scores and parents Editor's Note: Deputy Secretary Madeleine get their GED's in great numbers. Most signifi- Kunin contributed this piece about the family's key cantly, parents remain involved in their children's role in preparing children for success in school education, a key factor in academic success for all and in hfe. children, regardless of income. Wc don't need new studies or further research to While the country is engaged in a heated tell us that early childhood education is the best debate o ver what to do about welfare,it's investment we can make. It is the first and most time to revisit a common sense answer that begins important goal of the national education goals: at home helping parents to enable children to every child will start school ready to learn. start school ready to learn. The biggest difference Support of Head Start, and related programs like between success and failure in school and in life is Even Start, the Parents as Teachers program in made in those early years. Missouri, and the HIPPY program (Home Instruc- The most important part of a child's education is tion Program for Preschool Youngsters) have not the first day of school, but the pre-school years,demonstrated their effectiveness. Now is the time when intelligence, health, and confidence are to take this experience and apply it on a larger shaped. That is when parents can enable their scale so that every child gets off to a good start children to overcome the disadvantages of poverty the best insurance this country could have against and give them an equal chance to become produc- long term adult dependency, called welfare. Ern tive, self-sufficient citizens. The evidence that early childhood education makes a lasting difference is powerful. The High "...The fourth Sunday of everyjuly shall Scope Foundation's Perry Preschool Project found be established as 'Parents' Day'.... All that preschool participation increased the percent- private citizens, organizations, and ages of persons at the age of 19 who were literate, enrolled in postsecondary education and were governmental and legislative bodies... employed. It decreased the percentage labeled are encouraged to recognize Parents' mentally retarded, school drop outs, and on wel- Day through proclamations, activities fare. and educational efforts in furtherance of At age 27, the differences between the control recognizing, uplifting, and supporting group and children who participated in preschool the role of parents in the rearing of their were even more dramatic: higher incomes, higher percentage of home ownership, higher level of children." schooling completed, lower percentage receiving Joint Resolution by the U.S. House of social services, and fewer arrests. Not only do children do better when they get Representatives and U.S. Senate good health care, love and nurturing at an early 103rd Congress country. Straight Talk also utilizes the GTE Academic All-America Team (college varsity players that maintain at least a 3.2 grade point average) as spokespersons. These college athletes talk to students about adding balance to their lives, managing stress, achieving their goals, and improving study habits. 11 Before addressing students at Snider High School, Rod Woodson spoke to a packed audience of 350 parents. "Your kids are under stress. That's why they do some of the crazy things they do," he said. "Straight Talk is the tool kit that helps kids cope with the pressure." Straight Talk reaches approximately one million 1.. students in an estimated 5,000 junior high and ; high schools across the country For additional information about the program, call 1-800-315- 5010.ra Rod Woodson, cornerback for the Football Hero Helps Pittsburgh Steelers, Family Involvement addresses a student Launch Motivational assembly at Snider Partnership Completes High School in Fort Program Wayne, Indiana. Strategic Plan Editor's Note: The Family Involvement Partner- Editor's note: The Family Involvement Partner- ship for Learning includes education and busi- ship for Learning has more than 100 national ness groups working together to strengthen organizations as members. In an upcoming issue learning. GTE Foundation and the National of Community Update, we will feature the names Association of Secondary School Principals have of member organizations. developed a multimedia package to show high school students how to cope with stress, take During the past six months, a steering commit- challenging courses, and succeed in college. tee comprised of the National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education (NCPIE), Rod Woodson, arguably the best cornerback in business representatives and community organiza- NFL history, returned to his high school almations worked with the Education Department on a mater in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in March to help strategic plan that will serve as a guide for all launch a motivational program called "Straight groups and organizations interested in signing on Talk About School." Woodson, who graduated to the national Family Involvement Partnership for from Purdue University in 1987, did not sugarcoat Learning. The five goals of the strategic plan his college experience for the student body at include the following: Snider High School. "The main thing I liked about Awareness increasing community-wide college was football practice," said Woodson, understanding of the need to strengthen and whose statement was met with laughter. "But, I promote family involvement hung in there with my course work. If I didn't Commitment developing shared commit- have the grades, I couldn't play on the team. And ments by families, schools, and communities to if I couldn't play on the team, I wouldn't have act jointly been considered for the NFL draft." Capacity Building developing the capacity "Straight Talk" was developed by the National of families, schools, and communities to work Association of Secondary School Principals together (NASSP) and the GTE Foundation to help junior Knowledge Development identifying and high and high school students cope with pressures developing knowledge on the use of programs that can interfere with their studies or that can and practices that successfully connect fami- result in drug abuse or violence. The Straight lies, schools and communities Talk model includes parents, business leaders, Performance Improvement supporting the community members, students, teachers, and development of appropriate performance school administrators in an open discussion of benchmarks that assess progress toward greater barriers to success. Snider High School is the first family involvement through family, school, and of four Straight Talk mode: sites designated by community partnerships NASSP and GTE. For more information, write the Family Involve- Rod Woodson is just one athlete delivering the ment Partnership for Learning, 600 Independence Straight Talk message to students across the Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20202-8173. Ea 1 April's To Meeting Emphasizes Family's Role in Children's Learning Readiness The need to prepare children at an early age for success in school was underscored during April's Satellite Town Meeting, which focused on National Education Goal One: all students will be ready to learn. The program was broadcast live from Miami, Florida, from the studios of PBS member station WLRN, produced with assistance from the National Health and Education Consor- tium, the Florida Health and Education Consor- tium, the Florida Parent Teacher Association, and USAToday.A simultaneous event was hosted by USA Today at its headquarters in Rosslyn. Vir- In addition to the parental role, the Town USA Today hosted a ginia, where another audience tuned into the Town Meeting explored what businesses and community downlink site for April's Town Meeting at their Meeting and convened a panel discussion groups can do to support early education The headquarters in Both U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley audience saw a taped report onl-iow one business Rosslyn, Virginia. and Florida Governor Lawton Chiles sent welcom- in Miami, American Bankers insurance Group, Participants in a panel ing messages to the program that stressed the opened an innovative child care center and el- discussion included importance of ready-to-learn efforts. Deputy ementary school on its premises. Linda Vann, (from left to right) Arnold Fege, Director Secretary Madeleine Kunin opened the discussion Director of Children's Services at the day care of Governmental by talking to parents in the studio audience about center, spoke of the win-win situation for every- Relations for the how they see their role in helping their children to one involved. "It's good for the company because National PTA; Carolyn be ready to learn. The parents were members of it reduces absenteeism, turnover, and tardiness. Reid-Wallace, Senior the Florida PTA, and throughout the nation, local It's good for the children because it's an excellent Vice President of the Corporation for Public PTAs were watching the broadcast and holding program." Broadcasting; and discussions. The Town Meeting also discussed how televi- Tom Payzant, Assis- "Readiness to learn has to include much more sion can be a positive tool for children's learning. tant Secretary at the thanjust the ABCs," said Cathy Powers, a mother Panelist Maria McDonald is Co-Chair of WLRN's U.S. Department of of five and coordinator of WLRN's Ready to Ready to Learn Steering Committee and past vice Education. Learn campaign, which is part of a national president of the Florida Preschool PTA. She initiative of the Corporation for Public Broadcast- explained how the Ready to Learn effort funded ing. "You have to develop in children a curiosity by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting about their world. That starts with every parent provides parents with materials and activities so looking at their child and saying, 'What else can that educational television programs can be an we do in this situation to extend learning? interactive experience for children. When Audience members agreed that reading with McDonald's chapter of the Preschool PTA was children was one of the most important ways that asked to do an analysis of the four major commer- families could help prepare them for success in cial television stations, the finding was that in 168 school. Parents offered tips about how reading broadcast hours, a maximum of only two hours could be incorporated into families' busy lives by were educational. having children practice reading signs while riding Studio audience member Anne Thompson, in a car or bus or reading recipes while meals are president of the Florida PTA, suggested that a being prepared. "Reading fifteen minutes a day variety of family activities can be educational. makes a lifelong difference," said Deputy Secre- "It's the time you spend with your children that tary Kunin. counts. We're so busy and so pressured that we Panelist Wil Blechman, a retired doctor from have to make an effort to stop and make time for Miami, emphasized why parental efforts early on them." are so important. "The estimates are that about Apacket of materials is available on helping half of general intelligence occurs in the first four children to be ready to learn, including useful tips, years," he said. "The brain will actually develop brochures on what families, businesses and in different ways depending upon the way a child communities can do, and examples of successful is handled." Blechman is past president of programs. Write to theGOALS2000 Information Kiwanis International, which has worked actively Resource Center, U.S. Department of Education. withother community groups on ready-to-learn Room 2421, 600 Independence Ave., S.W., Wash- projects. ington, D.C., 20202.ra U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION POSTAGE AND FEES PAID WASHINGTON, D.C. 20202-4498 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OFFICIAL BUSINESS PermIt MO. 0-17 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300 FIRST CLAS.:-

Issue No.24

1C.4"7,4 MS.June Smith EricAr RiquIS.-.' lsnaBecrEtort-I 030 Huntington Hall 5yrocuSe unlver.slt%0J IM 544

Texas School-Business "The method was to allow the community to shape the breakthrough," Halaiko said. Each Partnership Boosts Math focus group was presented with the following question: What would it take to dramatically and Science Achievement improve math and science achievement in Beau- s part of its 91-year relationship with the mont in other words, to create a breakthrough? community of Beaumont, Texas, Mobil The program will be expanthd to 10 schools by Corporation has entered into a partnership with thenext fall. "We've already begun moving it dis- school district to improve math and science trict-wide," said Assistant Superintmdent of achievement dramatically. The program, called Beaumont Schools Lorraine Carswell. "Opera- "Operation Breakthrough," is designed for stu- tion Breakthrough has been the impetus for dents who move directly from school to work, systemic change in math and science in our preparing them with the technical skills they need district." rim for promising careers. Nearly half of Beaumont's graduates do not attend college. GOALS 2000 STATE PLANNING "Virtually every job in Mobil Corporation today requires higher level math and science," said PROCESS UPDATE Henry Halaiko, Mobil's Manager of Education orty-five states have now received funding Programs. "Many of the students enrolled in under the Goals 2000 Act. In addition, Beaumont's schools now will be working in the American Samoa, the District of Columbia, year 2050. We know that changes in technology Guam, the Mariana Islands, the Marshall Islands, will drive changes in the shape of their jobs." Micronesia, Palau, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Operation Breakthrough is being piloted at five Islands have received grants. school sites in Beaumont: Martin, Homer Drive, Five states have submitted their comprehensive and Curtis Elementary Schools; Marshall Middle reform plans to the Education Department. School; and West Brook Senior High. Successful Kentucky, Oregon, and Utah plans are approved results are already emerging. Student enrollment and are now eligible for second year funding in algebra increased by 62 percent over the last under GOALS 2000. two years. Math test scores improved by 10 For more information on your state's planning percent for seventh grade students after one year process, or to find out how you can get involved, of the program, and fourth- and eighth-grade contact your chief state school officer. Effi students also showed improvement. Planning for Operation Breakthrough began in Community Update is polthshed by the (Mice (,f 1993, when focus groups were conducted for a Interoovernmental And' retcrd,7ci, 1- wide range of stakeholders in the community, including students, parents, teachers, principals, Assistant Secretdry business, labor, and the media. The focus groups Senior Drrector .ef were led by the Educational Development Center, Editor an educational research and development finf. Designer HilAHA 4 411141111, 41114111

11111.

No. 25, June 1995 U.S. Department of June Town Meeting Will 3920; Audio Subcarriers 6.2 (Spanish) and 6.8 Education (English); Orbital Location: 99 degrees West. Focus on Literacy for SBS-6. Transponder 17H; Horizontal Polarization; Downlink Frequency 12110; Audio Children and Adults Subcarriers 6.2 (Spanish) and 6.8 (English); Orbital Recognizing that strong reading skills are Location: 95 degrees West. essential for success in school and in the To participate in the Satellite Town Meeting. you working world, the June Satellite Town Meeting can contact your local Public Broadcasting System will discuss improving literacy for adults and (PBS) member station. Wal-Mart or Sam's Club. children so they can participate fully in America's Chamber of Commerce, or Johnson Controls economic and civic life. Entitled "Learning to branch office and ask if your group can use the Read: Community Strategies for Creating More facility as a downlink site. Other possible sites are Literate Students and Adults." the program will local schools, public libraries, community colleges. look at the roles that schools, businesses, commu- cable television stations. universities and technical nity colleges, and other local organizations have schools, government offices, hospitals. businesses, in helping all citizens to be literate. hotels, or even private residences with satellite The hour-long Town Meeting will be broadcast dishes. Call 1-800-USA-LEARN for further live on Tuesday, June 20 at 8:30 p.m. Eastern information or to register your participation. CZ time. The program is closed-captioned and is simulcast in Spanish. U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley Congress Discusses Cuts in Education and Deputy Secretary Madeleine Kunin will host a conversation with a panel of guests who have As this edition of Community Update went to led efforts to create successful literacy programs press, Congress had passed a "rescissions in their schools and communities. Topics of package" that significantly cut back funding for discussion will include how local education Education Department programs that had National reform efforts can encourage all students to meet already been approved for the current year. Summer high standards while reinforcing the need for President Clinton announced his intention to Reading basic skills, how businesses can partner with veto the bill, which had proposed to cut back Program schools to ensure that every high school graduate such programs as GOALS 2000, the Safe and has the skills to be literate in the workplace. and Drug-Free Schools Act, and the Technology Kicks Off Education Act. More information will follow if (See details on how technology can provide increased access and individualized instruction to students and adults the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representa- P. 3) who are learning to read. tives schedule further action on the bill. The Department of Education produces the In addition to the rescissions package, the Satellite Town Meeting series in partnership with House of Representatives passed a plan to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Sponsors of the balance the budget by the year 2002 that 1994-95 series include Bayer Corporation, The eliminates the Department of Education. The Procter and Gamble Fund, SC Johnson Wax, and Senate budget plan, which was approved by the the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Budget Committee but is still being debated in the full Senate, does not propose to eliminate

C4:.,IvsL. .; ; ; .1.41 the Department of Education. The Senate plan does propose major cuts in Education Depart- Satellite coordinates are as follows.... ment programs, however. Please watch this inn Galaxy 4, Transponder/Channel ii.rs space for further updates. ra Horizontal Polarization; Downlink Frequency 1 0 Seven Programs Win Lamar County Coalition of Education, Business, and Industry National Award as Paris, Texas "Outstanding Community This rural county has established a partnership between five independent school districts, the Solutions " junior college, and local businesses to help even grass-roots programs that mobilize the prepare graduates for the workforce or higher education. Scommunity to improve learning opportunities for young people were named winners of the Project Renaissance "Community Solutions for Education" national Xenia, Ohio award. Selected among 250 entrants from across With support from local businesses, Xenia's the country, each winning program was featured secondary schools have introduced a "privilege in USA Today on April 19 and will also appear in card" for students that rewards academic an upcoming resource guide that will offer achievement, attendance, and behavior, granting successful reform strategies to other communities. students in-school privileges and retail dis- The contest was sponsored by the Coalition on counts. Educational Initiatives whose 1995 partners "My message to include Apple Computer, Inc.; Procter and Student Assistance Center Americans is: Gamble's Crest and Tide Brands: Sallie Mae; East Harybrd, Connecticut Don't wish for a State Farm Insurance Companies: and Subaru of This center provides East Hartford High School America, Inc. Representatives of the U.S. Depart- students with a peer mediation and conflict unilateral answer resolution program, drug and alcohol counsel- to our education ment of Education serve as advisors to the pro- gram. Entries were judged on how well each ing, and career counseling, which have contrib- dilemmas. There program unites the community in support of uted to a 45 percent decrease in suspensions and will never be a education to meet an identified critical need, detentions. single solution encourages sustained cooperation of the commu- To order the upcoming resource guide, write to that will be a nity, shows tangible evidence of success, demon- Steve Anderson, Media Relations,USA TODAY, perfect fit for our strates effective use of resources, and serves as a 1000 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va., 22229. CZ diverse society. model for other communities. Instead, we Here are brief descriptions of the winners: should work Community Newspaper Project The National Education Goals in Brief toward Birchwood, Wisconsin partnerships of The Birchwood News, the town's only newspa- By the year 2000: families, per, is a high quality publication that is man- communities, and aged by students. Ir.AllChildren Ready to Learn educators who Family Learning Centers enjoy the process Harlingen, Texas I 90 percent Graduation Rate of problem- These after-school educational resource centers for both students and parents employ All Children Competent in Core solving." teens from the housing community as mentors Subjects Elaine Griffin and serve as models for other housing authori- ties. First in the World in Math and 1995 National Science Teacher of the The Internet at Madison Middle School Year Madison, Wisconsin Every Adult Literate and Able to Washington, D.C. With business and university support, this Compete in the Work Force school's students, teachers. and parents now April 28, 1995 access the Internet's on-line resources instead Safe, Disciplined, Drug-Free Schools of relying on textbooks. Professional Development for KIDZBIZ Educators Chula Vista, Cahfornia Through this youth entrepreneurship training Increased Parental Involvement in program, at-risk youth have created 67 new Learning business enterprises, breaking the cycle of gang violence, drugs, and crime. 16 MMEIMP Family .4 /: Involvement Partnership for Learning

National Summer Reading Program Kicks Off: "READ*WRITE*NOW!" Editor's note: With the goal of strengthening family involvement in children' s learning, U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley formed the national Family Involvement Partnership for A It Learning, which has more than 120 national ma. organi:ations as members. (See reverse side.) One project of the Partnership is the National Initiative on Reading and Writing, a multiyear campaign to improve students' skills, which has 4 launched a summer reading program called "READ*WRITE*NOW!" The members of the national Family Involve- ment Partnership for Learning have identified reading, particularly during the summer, as a key opportunity for families to participate in learning together. The Partnership has launched the "READ*WRITE*NOW!" summer program, which is intended to enhance children's basic skills as well as their enjoyment of reading. Ir. I The activities in the READ*WRITE*NOW! In the READ*WRITENOW! summer program, children program are meant to be completed by a child and will work with a reading partner. a reading partner a parent. grandparent. teacher, librarian, or even another student in grade seven or coupon for a free personal pan pizza at Pizza Hut, a above. Each reading "team- receives a national sponsor. READ 'WRITE*NOW! kit that includes an The partners for the summer reading program activity book. The child and reading partner are include the U.S. Department of Education, Reading expected to meet once or twice a week to work is Fundamental, the Center for the Book at the together on activities. Library of Congress, the American Association of In addition to working with a reading partner, School Librarians, Hadassah. the International children participating in READ*WRITE*NOW! Reading Association (IRA), the National Associa- are expected to read at least 20 minutes a day tion of Secondary School Principals, the National throughout the summer. The Association of Elementary School Principals. READWRITE*NOW! kit has materials to Nickelodeon, and Pizza Hut. stimulate children's interest in reading such as a For a READ*WRITE*NOW! kit, call 1-800- certificate of participation, a bookmark, and a USA-LEARN.ra 17 Members of the Family Involvement Partnership for Learning

Academy for Educational DevelopmentAFL-CIO African Methodist Episcopal Church Agudath Israel of AmericaAmerican Alliance of Physical and Health Education, Recreation and Dance American Association of Colleges for Teacher EducationAmerican Association of School Administrators* Ameri- can Council for the ArtsAmerican Federation of TeachersAmerican Gas AssociationAmerican Youth Policy Forum ASPIRA Assemblies of GodAssociation for Supervision of Curriculum Development Association of Christian Schools International B'nai B'rith International Boys and Girls Club of AmericaCeDARCenter for Law and EducationCenter for the Improvement of Child CaringCenter for the Study of Parent InvolvementCenter on Families. Communities, Schools and Children's Learning Chamber of CommerceChildren's Aid SocietyChristian Brothers ConferenceChurch of God in ChristChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day SaintsCollege BoardCommission on Family Ministries Committee for Economic DevelopmentCouncil for American Private EducationCouncil for Exceptional ChildrenCouncil of Bishops of the United Methodist ChurchCouncil of Chief State School Officers The national Council of Jewish FederationsCouncil of Spouses of Bishops of the United Methodist Church Council Family of the Great City SchoolsEducation TodayERIC Clearinghouse on Urban EducationEvangelical Involvement Lutheran Church in AmericaFamilies and Work Institute Family Resource CoalitionFamil Service AmericaFort Hood, Texas 0 General Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church Partnership for General Confer- ence of the Seventh Day AdventistGeneral Federation of Women's ClubsGirl Scouts of USA Grand- Learning parents Network, American Association for Retired PersonsGreek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and continues to add South AmericaHispanic Policy Development Project Home and School InstituteInstitute for Educa- to its tional LeadershipInstitute for Responsive EducationInternational Reading AssociationLancaster Area Council of Mennonite Schools membership. Mennonite ChurchMexican American Legal Defense and Education FundMuslim Public Affairs Council *National Alliance of Business National Assembly of National Voluntary Health and Social Welfare OrganizationsNational Association for Bilingual Education National Association for the Education of Young ChildrenNational Association of EvangelicalsNa- tional Association of State Directors of Vocational Technical Education National Association of Social Workers National Association of Secondary School PrincipalsNational Association of School Psycholo- gistsNational Association of Elementary School PrincipalsNational Association of Partners in Educa- tionNational Association of State Boards of EducationNational Baptist ConventionNational Black Child Development InstituteNational Catholic Education Association National Center for Family LiteracyNational Church of GodNational Coalition of Title I/Chapter I ParentsNational Community Education AssociationNational Conference of Christians and Jews National Council of Churches of Christ National Council of La RazaNational Dropout CenterNational Education Association. Center for Revitalization of Urban EducationNational Education Goals PanelNational Head Start Association National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities National Institute for Literacy National Middle Schools AssociationNational Parent Network on DisabilitiesNational PTA National School Boards Association National School Supply and Equipment AssociationNational Small Business UnitedNational Urban LeagueOptimists International Organization of Chinese AmericansOrgani- zations Concerned About Rural EducationParents As Teachers National Center. Inc. Parents for Public SchoolsParents. Inc.Partnership for LearningProgressive National Baptist Convention. Inc. Quality Education for Minorities NetworkRabbinical Assembly RMC Research Scholastic. Inc. School Improvement Council Assistance ProjectShiloh Baptist Church Solomon Schechter Day School AssociationSouthern Baptist ConventionThe Betty Phillips Center for Parenthood Education The Buddy System Project The Business RoundtableThe Lutheran Church-Missouri SynodThe Parent Institute Union of American Hebrew CongregationsUnion of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America United States Catholic ConferenceUnited Synagogues of Conservative JudaismUnited Wav of AmericaWebster's International, Inc. YMCA of USAYouth Guidance of Chicago

Where.7"17717r7"-"'...77,s747: to, Firgi.,yeg:iiMaitpRgrit01.:,.;.41,17,747T747.1kf.,: ,1"-777-7.17:7;77777-"- The nationat,FamiiilrivohiemerifRartnerehip for Learning IS bringing Its conference booth , to natiOnal aria'reglOnal ineetingi of .4Pa:filers' organizatiOns.7 To tell us about your conference, Writato The.NatiOn4,11 Family Involvement PaitnerShlp fgt.-Learning, 600 IncleiiendenceAveni/e7r1:ty:Waihington;' DC 20202-81 . kr1131.Z1Mh.ro4u

''t-'411111.01.1.0111W-VI 111111.,1111 Diversity Adds to a School's Strength, Town Meeting Audience Learns - '1-7 Recognizing how the demographics of - rujL. America's student population have changed in recent years, reflecting more ethnic and linguis- tic diversity, the May Satellite Town Meeting ao discussed how schools can reach out to students with unique backgrounds and include them in an overall culture of excellence. As the audience learned, the number of public school students whose home language is not English has been growing dramatically by about 10 percent each year for the last 10 years At present, close to 3 million out of a total of 45 million children en- rolled in Amencan public schools speak a lan- efforts to organize a city-wide parent summit to Oyster Elementary guage other than English with their families. support parents in their central role in education. School in Washington. D.C. has won national Led by Secretary of Education Richard Riley Some workshops will be bilingual so the entire recognition for its and Deputy Secretary Madeleine Kunin, the community can be reached. bilingual program that program looked at how diversity presents both a A taped report on Balderas Elementary School sets high expectations challenge for schools and an opportunity to in Fresno, California provided another model of a for student achieve- energize reform efforts. Members of the studio successful parent involvement strategy. In a ment, integrates instruction for English audience shared some of the successful strategies community where 98 percent of the students and Spanish speak- being used in Washington, D.C. public schools to belong to ethnic minorities, Balderas involves ers, and involves teach a diverse student population. "In a given nearly 80 percent of its parents in monthly educa- parents and the school, you might find 30 different languages," tion workshops. School notices are sent home in community in school said Elena Izquierdo, Director of the Language four languages: English, Spanish, Hmong, and activities. Minority Affairs Branch of D.C. schools. "One of Khmer. the key ways to incorporate this diversity is The need to help students from diverse back- offering a lot of support and training for all grounds make a smooth transition into the work- personnel and making sure that schools are respon- ing world was also addressed in the Town Meet- sive to the needs of the student population." ing. Panelist Barbara Clark, manager of commu- The importance of setting high standards of nity development at the Liberty Medical Center in achievement for students from all backgrounds Baltimore, Maryland, coordinates a program to was a major theme of the program. "High encourage high school dropouts to continue their achievement and language diversity go together," education so they can find good jobs. Students are said guest panelist Bill Rojas, Superintendent of paired with mentors who are recruited from local San Francisco public schools. "Our flagship high businesses and who provide job shadowing school Lowell with a predominantly minor- experiences. ity student population is one of the top academic Also on the panel was Elaine Griffin, the 1995 schools in the nation." National Teacher of the Year, who teaches in the Huong Tran Nguyen, the 1994 Disney American remote village of Chiniak, Alaska. She summed Outstanding Teacher, reiterated the importance of up the positive focus of the Town Meeting: "I like high expectations in a live satellite uplink from to think of diversity in the schools as being similar Long Bea California. Ms. Nguyen's students to an orchestra. The more instruments you have, are from Eastern Europe, India, South America, the more beautiful the music is.I think we should' Southeast Asia. and the Pacific Islands. "I let them value the diversity we have as one of our biggest know that they need to be shooting for the moon, strengths." and then, if they miss, they'll still be landing A packet of materials is available on successful among the stars." strategies for diverse student populations. In- The importance of involving families of diverse cluded are a booklet on reaching out to families of students in their children's learning was also students with limited English proficiency, and an discussed in the program. Panelist Darrell idea book about schoolwide programs that Donelson, an elementary school principal from challenge all students to learn to high standards, Dearborn. Michigan, has printed the school featuring examples of successful schools. To handbook in both English and Arabic in order to request the materials. write to the GOALS 2000 reach the Arabic families of 80 percent of his Information Resource Center, U.S. Department of students. Panelist Cheryl Chow, a member of the Education. Room 2421, 600 Independence Ave., City Council in Seattle. Washington, has led S.W., Washington, D.C., 20202.E U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION POSTAGE,AND FEES PAID WASHINGTON, D.C. 20202-0498 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Permit NO. 0.17 OFFICIAL BUSINESS PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300

Issue No. 25

M.# 17E134 MS. Jun9 Smith PquiSitionS 5ecnetort.4 Eric/In 030 Huntington Holl 5yrocu5 9 UniverSity, N"1 3244

Innovative State and Local challenging curriculum that includes high stan- dards and new methods for measuring student School Improvement is performance. Oregon Health Sciences University is working as a partner in curriculum planning, Well Underway After One and Portland State University is incorporating the Year of GOALS 2000 new standards and assessment methods into its teacher training program. T n the year since President Clinton signed the In Michigan, teacher training is also a priority in GOALS 2000: Educate America Act, 47 school improvement efforts. The Saginaw School states have designed and implemented comprehen- System and Midland County School District are sive school improvement plans featuring high using GOALS 2000 funds in a program that pairs standards for student achievement. Supported by new teachers with experienced mentors who assist $85.4 million in GOALS 2000 grants, states and in teaching techniques for standards-based cur- communities have developed their own ap- ricula. In Battle Creek Public Schools, lead proaches to education reform. which include teachers in math and science work as mentors and establishing challenging standards in basic subject matter experts for 14 nearby districts. subjects such as English. math, science, and In Massachusetts, GOALS 2000 funds are being history: used to engage the public in school improvement building on existing school improvement efforts with publicity campaigns in high visibility efforts: places from supermarkets to public transit stations. encouraging greater family involvement in Participation from 15,000 Massachusetts residents learning: led to the development of state education goals for enhancing training opportunities for teachers: public school children, known as the Common making computers and technology available in Core of Learning. classrooms: For a complete progress report on GOALS preparing students for the transition from 2000, write to the GOALS 2000 Information school to the workplace: and Resource Center, U.S. Department al. Education, forming local partnerships between schools, Room 2421,600 Independence Are., S.W.,Wash- parents. educators, businesses, and other ington, D.C., 20202. Es community groups to achieve common goals. States have awarded GOALS 2000 funds to local districts that have innovative education Community Update ,'; vireo:tied hv °trio reform strategies. In Portland, Oregon, for Intoroot,or,,r,i-I' 1-r,-.1,7,-1,1, example. efforts are being made to integrate math Assistant Secret,ev

and science instruction at thc middle school, high Senior Director " ilj I school, and postsecondary levels. Teachers at Editor Jefferson High School and its two feeder junior Designer 13A/ ?HAI I/1 ,R /II: high schools are working together to develop a 20 -- imIII4111 IMAIlkIll 111111/1111

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No. 26luly 1995 U.S. Department of National Education Summer Reading Program Launches on West Coast U.S Secretary of Education Richard Riley was joined by students from Theresa Hughes Elementary School at the West Coast kickoff of READ*WRITENOWI n a recent visit to Los Angeles, U.S. Secre- Actor Bill Pullman, who is currently starring in tary of Education Richard W. Riley kicked themovies While You Were Sleepingand off the READ*WRITE*NOW! national summer Casper,also participated in the event. Pullman reading program on the West Coast. The pro- read a book to sixty students and spoke about gram was developed by the Education Depart- why reading is important in his job. ment with the national Family Involvement Participants in READ*WRITE*NOW! are Partnership for Learning as an ideal way for challenged to read twenty minutes per day. The families to participate in learning together. program is also designed to involve reading especially during the summer when families partners parents. grandparents, teachers, or typically devote more time to leisure activities. older students who will read with children and The summer is also a time when students tend to participate in other learning activities several lose some of their reading and writing skills. times a week. The READ*WRITE*NOW! launch took place A kit supplied by the Education Department Comparing at the Los Angeles Public Library with parents, contains materials to support children's summer Education Budgets: teachers, and community representatives in learning goals and generate excitement about attendance, including approximately forty What President reading. Included are an activity book. a book- corporate supporters. Secretary Riley was also mark, a certificate of participation, and a coupon Clinton and joined by students from Theresa Hughes Elemen- for a free personal pan pizza at Pizza Hut, a Congress Propose tary School in Cudahy, California. The students national sponsor. (See p. 5) presented Secretary Riley with essays on why Additional partners for READ*WRITE*NOW! they felt reading was important. The Secretary include Reading Is Fundamental, the Center for was so impressed by what students wrote that ht . the Book at the Library of Congress, the Ameri- shared samples of student work in his remarks. can Association of School Librarians, Hadassah, the International Reading Association, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Association of Secondary "If you want to be a professional. then you School Principals, and Nickelodeon. need to know how to read and write," said one To request a READ*WRITE*1VOW! kit, call 1- student. 800-USA-LEARN. 11111111

We Need Your Input! s we make plans for the 1995-96 schedule of Satellite Town Meetings, we would Alike your feedback and suggestions so we can provide another year of programming to meet your community's needs. Please take a few moments to answer the following questions and fax your reply to our office by July 15. Our fax number is (202) 205- 0676.

1) Do you watch the Satellite Town Meet- 5) What topics would you like to see ings? covered in future Town Meetings? monthly Rank your top five choices, with "1" on occasion indicating your greatest interest. parental involvement saw one program technology in schools have not watched ready to learn 2) Do you watch with a group? state initiatives school group math and science Wal-Mart group school to work chamber of commerce arts other professional development standards 3) Has attendance for viewing the Town school and community partner- Meetings in your community...? increased ships remained steady school accountability decreased students with special needs school governance 4) Does your community plan to continue dropout prevention viewing the Town Meetings next year? flexibility Yes sate schools No teachers discipline drug and substance abuse other

Please list any additional comments you have. Thank you for your assistance.

Make sure you're on our mailing list to receive the 1995-96 schedule of Satellite Town Meetings. Call I -800-USA-LEARN. 22 ^ .. ' f.d /11 i0.1 ;UM" 1"4" Involvement artnership rLearningm

Family Involvement their children's schools. Partnership for Learning The Telephone Remains Active for the Pioneers of America and its 875,000 Summer volunteers joined the U.S. Department Here are some highlights of ongoing activities of Education in of the national Family Involvement Partner- promoting achieve- ship for Learning, which now comprises more than ment of the Na- 130 national organizations: tional Education Scholastic magazine, in cooperation with the Goals and family National Education Goals Panel, distributed a involvement. The summary of Strong Families, Strong Schools to commitment by the principals across the country.Scholastic also Telephone Pioneers launched an awards program. with support from was launched with Apple Computer, Inc., for elementary and the signing of a secondary schools with exemplary family "Memorandum of involvement initiatives. Known as the "Most Cooperation" by Promising Practices Competition," the awards Secretary Riley and program aims to recognize innovative family Don MacKenzie, involvement programs and practices. Award president of the winners will be announced this summer. Inthe group and chairman READ*WRITEWOW! A group of employers has been working on a of the NYNEX Information Resource Com- summer program, "sign-on" process for family-friendly busi- pany. The Telephone Pioneers, with an 83-year children work with a nesses that want to support the efforts of the history, is the world's largest industry-related reading partner. national Family Involvement Partnership for volunteer group. It comprises current employ- Learning. Over the past four months the group, ees and retirees of the telecommunications which includes CEOs and business representa- industry and has 91 chapters in the United tives, has been meeting to develop a statement States and Canada. known as "The Employer's Promise," which Ten national organizations signed on to pro- employers would sign to signal their support mote a national summer reading program called for family- friendly policies and practices. READ*WRITE*NOW! (See p.1 story.) Employers are encouraged to "explore with employees ways in which they can help chil- Note: READ*WRITE*NOW! shares its name dren learn." The statement expresses the with the Michigan Catholic Health Systems Infant willingness of the employer to implement Mortality Project. The Michigan program pro- suitable programs, such as flextime, that allow vides educational counseling and literacy assis- employees the opportunity to get involved with tance. ra 23 Send Us Your Best Practices Parents' Day To Be oes your organization have a family involve- Observed July 23 Dment program that you are willing to share Sunday, July 23. 1995, marks the nation's first with us? We are working on an Idea Book of best official "Parents' Day" under bipartisan practices that will be available this fall. We legislation passed by Congress and signed by welcome your submissions in any of the following President Clinton last year. The Education Depart- areas: ment has available materials on family involve- family learning activities ment in children's learning that can assist local limiting TV viewine activities held in observance of Parents' Day. Call our toll-free line, 1-800-USA-LEARN, to request families reading together these items: checking homework daily READ*WRITE*NOW!, a summer reading kit monitoring school attendance that provides reading and writing activities for a child to engage in with a reading partner. working to make schools and communi- (Note: community groups or businesses ties safe interested in large quantities of the kits may encouraging children to take challenging request camera-ready copy for easy reprinting.) courses Strong Families, Strong Schools, a research- talking directly with young people about the based report on the importance of family dangers of drugs and alcohol involvement in children's learning. Send your Idea Book submission to: Family Team up for Kids! Involvement Partnership for Learning, 600 Be Family-Friendly: It's Good Business! Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-8173. re Get Involved! Join Together for Kids! These brochures describe what families, The Family Math Program schools, and communities can do to promote Challenges Adults and family involvement in education. III Employers. Families and Education: Promoting Children Together Family Involvement in Learning, a publication The Family Math Program has reached more prepared by the Families and Work Institute. than one million children and adults since Summer Home Learning Recipes, a pamphlet its origin in 1981, with the mission of involving series covering age-appropriate projects and adults positively in their children's math educa- activities for students of all ages through tion. Headquartered at the Lawrence Hall of twelfth grade. Science at the University of California in Berke- ley, Family Math is now at 52 other sites across Preparing Your Child for College, a guide for the United States as well as in 11 foreign coun- parents to plan for their child's postsecondary tries. The sites include universities, state depart- education. ments of education, regionP,1 education centers, We hope you will join in the observance of county offices of education. and science museums. Parents' Day. El Parents and children participate in Family Math together. They are encouraged to attend a series Welcome New Partners! of four or eight weekly Family Math classes, which last from one to two hours a session. The Comprising more than 130 national organiza- classes are held in the evenings or on weekends at tions, the national Family Involvement Partner- schools, churches, or community organizations. ship for Learning continues to grow. We are Family Math activities are often in a game or delighted to welcome the following groups as puzzle format. Family members have fun as well members and acknowledge with appreciation as gain confidence in math. In all cases, under- their efforts in support of family involvement in standing is achieved through hands-on problem- children's learning: solving that illustrates useful mathematical con- The Council for Religion in Independent cepts. Schools Family Math works across socioeconomic and National Association of Independent Schools ethnic groups and includes a companion program National Council of Jewish Women in Spanish. Matematica Para La Familia. For National Retired Teachers Association (AARP) more information, contact FAMILY MATH, United Church of Christ-Board for Homeland Lawrence Hall of Science. University of Califo Ministries nia, Berkeley, CA. 94720-5200. ria 4 Reading Is Funda- generation that were conscious of their identity mental (RIF) believes Unite the Community and history and clear about their destiny." the best way to help children become Behind Reading, Town Karen Helgerson. a caller from Appleton. readers is to start Wisconsin, shared how businesses can get early. RIF distributes Meeting Learns involved in community literacy efforts. The more than 11 million local chamber of commerce recruited firms to books to children y n a lively and far-ranging discussion. last each year through month's Satellite Town Meeting illustrated that reproduce and distribute 1500 packets of networks of local the entire community has a role in helping children materials for the READ*WRITE*NOW! volunteers in all 50 learn to read families, schools, businesses, national summer reading program, sponsored states and the District churches, synagogues, community colleges and by the Education Department. Secretary Riley of Columbia. other local organizations. "We're finding in our commended the businesses involved. community that it's going to take a community- s.- wide effort to improve our children's literacy At the Town skills." said panelist Terry Grier, superintendent of Meeting's close. the Sacramento, California school district. The Deputy Secretary commitment to reading in Dr. Grier's district Kunin provided tips to 0 includes a major staff development effort. tutoring families on how to help and rnentoring provided b' civic clubs, involve- children develop their ,., ment of the mayor's office, and the adoption of an reading skills: read elementary school by the post office. aloud to children, Panelist Reverend Justus Reeves, one of the encourage children to pastors at the Shiloh Baptist Church in Washing- read and write ton, D.C., shared how a church can contribute to independently, create a education in a community. The church has home environment rich adopted a third grade class at Seaton Elementary in reading materials, School and provides tutors for reading. allow children to choose the books they "Shiloh made a commitment that it was going to read, and encourage focus on prevention," said Reverend Reeves. "We children to discuss their are in a very high-risk neighborhood. We made a reading with others. PS commitment that we were going to raise up a new

President Clinton and Congress Differon Education Funding Negotiations for the 1996-97 budget for the education are significant and affect support for Education Department are underway in meeting the National Education Goals. Below is a Congress. In these discussions, differences chart highlighting some of the differences. between the President and Congress on funding =10=1.11 HOUSEBUDGET PRESIDENT'S BUDGEr

TITLE I: Improving Reading, Math, Cuts $700 million Increases $300 million Basic Skills

GOALS 2000: Community Cuts $400 million Support for Raising Standards of Increases $347 million Achievement and Teaching Eliminates program

SAFE AND DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS Cuts 30% of funding Increases $18 million

Students pay interest on loans Subsidizes in-school interest for while in college deserving students COLLEGE STUDENT AID Pell Grants frozen Increases amounts for Pell Eliminates state student grants grants to cover inflation SCHOOL TO WORK OPPORTUNITIES Cuts 25% of funding Increases funding by 60%

TECHNOLOGY: Public/Private Partnerships to get computers In Eliminates program Increases $43 million schools U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION POSTAGE AND FEES PAID WASHINGTON, D C 20202--0498 U S DEPARTMENT OF / EDUCATION PormII NO 0.1' OFFICIAL BUSINESS A PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300 =7.7.7-

I lij;;;Iz

IssueNo.26

VIL4 175134 MS. June Smith RquISitionS 5ecretar En1c/Ir 030 huntIngton Hon 5.,ArazuSe UnlverSit, NY 13244

Brown University books have been collected to date. The kickoff event to "Bring a Book to Brown" Partnership Supports featured alumnus Steve Jordan. an all-pro tight Children's Reading end for the Minnesota Vikings, who shared a story with children. The book Jordan chose to read, he Associated Alumni of Brown University entitledJonathan McBoo,told of a very tall boy T.I. launched a major literacy campaign during who preferred using his mind to playing a sport commencement weekend, May 26-29. The like basketball. program, known as "Bring a Book to Brown," "Sports are somewhat overvalued," Jordan told appealed to each returning alumnus to donate one children when he finished reading. "Use your children's book to the literacy effort in which own minds. Read and enjoy your education." Brown is a partner with the Rhode Island The Alumni Association plans to make "Bring a Children's Crusade for Higher Education. Book to Brown" an annual campaign. Follow-up Brown was one of the founders of the postcards are also being sent to all alumni who Children's Crusade, a nonprofit intervention contributed books this year, encouraging them to organization working to provide students with the get involved in literacy programs in their own skills to succeed communities. Brenda Dann-Messier, the in school and the Secretary's Regional Representative from the commitment to Education Department's Boston office, is coordi- graduate from nating the cffort to provide the Alumni Associa- high school and tion with contact information for literacy groups pursue a college around the country to which Brown alumni can be referred. CO education. More than 11.000 Kathleen Connolly, Co-chair of "Bring a Book

-6 children are to Brown." hopes that the contributions of Brown participating in alumni to literacy will continue beyond the book the program. they donated. "We want to capitalize on this which begins moment to challenge people to get involved in when students their local communities in a personal way." rila enter the third grade and continues until they graduate. Children Steve Jordan, all-pro Community Update tight end for the pl.dge to stay off drugs, complete high school. InWIMIt, Minnesota Vikings, avoid early parenthood. obey the law, and be- shared a story with come role models in their communities. AssistantSecipt.r IL children at the "Bring a The books donated by Brown alumni are being Senior Llirocro, Book to Brown" kickoff event distributed to schools. libraries, and community Editor centers around the state affiliated with the Rhode Designer II I , . Island Children's Crusade. More than 2,000 2a - moulAll INNIAIAll 10/14111&

No. 27, August 1995 U.S. Department of Education Secretary Riley Asks All Americans To Get Involved in Learning Editor' s note: Below is an open letter from U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley to all Americans. launching a national effort to support educa- tion called "America Goes Back to School: A Place for Families and the Community." For more details on how parents, educators, and concerned citizens from businesses. colleges, and religious and community groups can get involved in the "Back to School" campaign, see the insert page.

Dear Friends of Education: y invite you to join me and others during the and involvement can help our schools to further week of September 11 to kick off America improve and sends a message to our children that Goes Back to School: A Place for Families and we care and want them to be successful. the Community. Through this effort we are Studies show that family and community support encouraging all Americans to support family and for education results in students learning to higher community involvement in learning. I am standards and schools that are safer. America Goes inviting leaders and successful role models like Back to School encourages adults everywhere to you from all walks of life to support this initiative make a commitment throughout the year to be by going back to school and participating in an meaningfully involved in local schools, and help activity that demonstrates how simple, yet impor- prepare all children to meet the challenges of the tant, it is to be involved in improving our schools 21st century. and making them safe piaces of learning. I see A resource guide of key education issues and this as a first step in an effort to involve adults in practical ideas on how you can be involved will be schools year-round. available in early September. You may order your The Family Involvement Partnership for Learn- copy by calling the U.S. Department of Education ing, a coalition of more than 140 family, commu- at 1-800-USA-LEARN. I hope this guide will help nity, religious and education organizations dedi- facilitate your participation in America Goes Back cated to improving children's learning through the to School. development of family-school-community part- Your support for family involvement in nerships, is sponsoring America Goes Back to children's learning can make a positive difference: School in conjunction with the U.S. Department a win/win situation for families, schools and of Education. The Partnership also enjoys support communities across the nation. Please contact your from many family-friendly businesses. local media and encourage them to feature the good America Goes Back to School: A Place for work being done for school improvement in your Families and the Community invites individuals community. parents, grandparents, community leaders, I welcome your support of and participation in professionals, people skilled in vocational trades, America Goes Back to School and hope that you get members of the arts community, religious leaders, involved with this opportunity. and lay people...all Americans -- to rally around their local schools and make a commitment to support education improvement and community c4rAs-4-*Z L3 involvement throughout the year. This support27 Richard W. Riley state reform efforts will share their experiences National Forum Invites with the 1995 Forum participants.Additional sessions will assist Forum participants with Teachers To Be Full acquiring leadership and networking skills to help make effective improvements at the local and state Partners in School Reform levels. Special speakers at the Forum will include More than a hundred of the nation's leading Education Secretary Richard W. Riley, Deputy educators will share their knowledge, Education Secretary Madeleine Kunin, Terry expertise and insight at the 1995 Goals 2000 Dozier, and a representative of the AT&T Founda- Teacher Forum. the third annual national meeting tion, the corporate sponsor of the event. of its kind. The Forum, sponsored by the U.S. To obtain more information about the telecon- Department of Education, will take place from ference, call 1-800-USA-LEARN. November 12-14. 1995, and will focus on profes- sional development. Communities across the Thanks! country are placing a high priority on investing in teachers' professional development, from their Thank you to everyone who responded to pre-service training throughout their careers. the Satellite Town Meeting survey in the Because the Education Department wants to July issue. Viewer suggestions are a involve as many teachers as possible in the primary consideration for the selection of national Forum, major portions of the event will topics for the 1995-96 season, which will be broadcast live via satellite for the first time. be published in the September issue of Local educators are invited to take part in the Forum at their own meetings in downlink sites Community Update. across the country. A toll-free number will be provided so that the teleconference audience can participate in all interactive sessions. Community Two Publications Connect Update will publicize more infrirmation on downlink sites and satellite coordinates closer to Teachers to School Reform the event. The 1995 GOALS 2000 Teacher Forum has A Teacher's Guide to the U.S. Department of two primary objectives: Education. Helping teachers participate fully to strengthen the dialogue between teachers in school improvement activities, the third and the Department of Education staff; edition of this guide provides updated informa- to assist teachers in becoming full partners in tion about Department programs and resources local, state and federal reform strategies. and that can help schools and communities achieve to lead changes in their schools and communi- their education goals. Such programs as ties that will enable a. students to meet high GOALS 2000. the Family Involvement Partner- levels of academic achievement as ithntified ship for Learning. and School To Work are by the National Education Goals. outlined, along with a comprehensive directory The Goals 2000 Teacher Forum brings together of useful contacts at the national, regional, all current state-level Teachers of the Year for state, and local levels. A resource guide of discussions on ways teachers can become more publications available to teachers is also actively involved in education improvement included. initiatives. Joining the Teachers of the Year will Teachers and GOALS 2000: Leading the be teachers currently serving on state Goals 2000 Journey Toward High Standards for All planning teams or others selected by teams as Students. Discussing why teachers have a delegates. Representative teachers from private. central role in shaping local school improve- religious and Department of Defense Dependents ment plans inspired by GOALS 2000, this Schools also will be attending. booklet explores steps that teachers can take to "We're excited about shifting the focus from initiate the reform process in their communitia. teachers as objects of reform to teachers as The main principles of successful comprehen- partners in education improvement," said Terry sive reform are outlined, and suggestions are Dozier, the special advisor on teaching to U.S. provided for recruiting other faculty, parents. Secretary of Education Richard Riley and a and members of the broader community in the former national Teacher of the Year. "Secretary effort. Useful appendices include samples of Riley recognizes that teachers are one of the most student work that dem nistrate high standards in valuable, yet underutilized resources for improve- different subject areas. ment in American education." To order the above materials. write to the Teachers who have attended the previous GOALS 2000 Information Resource Center. U.S. forums and have applied their knowledge to Department of Education. Room 2421. 600 involve their colleagues in innovative local and Independence Ave.. S.W., Washington. D.C.. 20202. CM Family Involvement artnership rLearning

Save the Dates! As noted in the Education October 20-22, 1995: Children's Sab- baths. The fourth annual national obser- Department vance of Children's Sabbaths, sponsored report Strong by the Children's Defense Fund, will take Families, Strong place October 20-22, 1995. U.S. Secre- Schools, 50 tary of Education Richard W. Riley will percent of speak at an ecumenical service in the parents with Washington, D.C. area to mark the event. children under The service will be sponsored by Wash- U. ,,J111. ington Hebrew Congregation and Shiloh age 9 say they Baptist Churcii. The Children's Defense read to their Fund has prepared organizing kits on this cc children every year's theme of child poverty, which are G day. appropriate to the needs of different denominations and faith communities. Call (202) 662-3589 for more information. * November 19-25, 1995: National Family 11 Thousands of children are participating in the Education Week. The week of Thanksgiving has Department's national summer reading program, been recognized by national organizations READ*WRITE*NOW! To enroll your child, call 1-800- and by a U.S. Senate resolution as Na- USA-LEARN. tional Family Week. A number of organi- zations in the national Family Involvement Welcome New Partners! Partnership for Learning are actively With more than 140 national organizations promoting this event through special committed to helping families fulfill their resource materials and mailings. For more central role in education, the Family information, contact the following groups: Family Service America, Inc.,(414) 359- Involvement Partnership for Learning 1040;Girl Scouts of the USA,Martha Jo continues to grow. We are delighted to Dennison at (212) 852-5733 or Robin welcome the newest members and Payne at (212) 852-8614;The Church of acknowledge their efforts in support of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,T. family involvement in children's learning: Lamar Sleight at (202) 662-7550. e& American Association for Higher Education The Communitarian Network Home Instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) Women's American ORT 4. Get technology and computers into the The National "Back to classroom as fast as possible. School" Campaign Has a Families: Work in partnership with the schools to get computers in schools and homes. Role for You Schools: Make the use of technology and com- Editor' s note: The Family Involvement Partner- puters a learning priority. ship for Learning is leading a vigorous grassroots Community and religious groups: Establish hack-to-school effort called "America Goes Back computer labs in neighborhood centers. to School: A Place for Families and the Commu- Business: Assist schools directly by supplying nity." U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley computers and computer training. will officially launch this initiative in September, when he will ask all Americans to rally around S. Raise standards of achievement and disci- pline. their local schools and make a commitment to support education improvement throughout the Families: Enroll children in tougher courses and year. Secretary Riley will he joined in this effort keep in contact with teachers to ensure chil- by the National Coalition for Parent Involvement dren are getting what they need. in Education (NCPIE), a group of educational and Schools: Raise academic standards and encour- community organizations that includes parent, age students to work hard to meet them. principal, teacher, and school board associations. Community, religious and business groups: Offer mentoring programs and homework The following is an excerpt from a resource centers. guide designed to support "America Goes Business: Adopt flexible employee leave policies Back to School," suggesting ways to get involved that accommodate school visits/volunteering. in children's learning. For a copy of the complete Colleges: Visit K-12 schools to advise students of guide, write to the GOALS 2000 Information entrance requirements and to share resources Resource Center, U.S. Department of Education, with the faculty. Room 2421, 600 Independence Ave., S.W., 6. Connect schools and families with commu- Washington, D.C., 20202. nity resources and school-to-work opportu- 1. Improve the basics and core academics. nities. Families: Read and write together, use TV wisely,Families: Take advantage of learning opportuni- encourage your children to do their best, and ties in the community and support service help develop school-family compacts. programs. Schools: Rigorously teach the basics and encour- Schools: Forge new partnerships with community age family involvement in teaching and learn- groups to expand learning opportunities, ing the basics, and develop school-family especially for tech-prep, in evenings, week- compacts with parents. ends, and summer; enrich daily instruction; Community, religious, and business groups: and provide students with service experiences. Provide tutors, as well as adult literacy training.Community and religious groups: Offer afford- able, quality after-school and summer learning 2. Create safe and drug-free school environ- opportunities. ments. Businesses: Provide apprenticeships, internships, Families: Organize and participate in "parent and trainia opportunities for students and patrols" or "security dads and moms." teachers. 10 Schools: Require firm, fair rules, and keep in touch with families before problems arise. The Road Runners Club Community and religious groups: Make safe ROODALNIVIII CUB OP AMERICA of America, a nonprofit neighborhoods and safe passage to school a Illtdren urtnn, organizationwith over priority. 565 local chapters across 3. Make college more accessible. the country, is reaching out to families and Families: Make sure your children enroll in schools with two courses that prepare them for college and/or publications that promote careers. running as a healthy Schools: Offer college-prep classes, be sure all activity that helps keeps students know about them in time to plan their children away from drugs academic program, and build local partnerships and alcohol. The pub 'cations are entitled with colleges, universities, and community Children's Running: A Guide for Parents and colleges. Kids and Children's Running: A Guide for Colleges: Bring high school students and their Teachers and Coaches. To purchase copies at a families on campus to build connections and nominal charge, contact the Road Runners Club share information about the existence of of America at 1150 S. Washington Street, Suite 250, Alexandria, Virginia. 22314-4493. The financial aid. phone number is (703) 836-0558. 30 Equally, the President rejects those who want "Public Education Should organized prayer in our public schools. Public Be Respectful of Religion," schools and for that matter any other level of government should not interfere or intrude on Secretary Riley Says a family's religious beliefs.It goes against our Editor' s note: The pllowing excerptsaretaken grain to coerce people on something so important from a statement by U.S.Secretary of Education as their religious beliefs. Richard Riley in a press briefing at the White Public education should be respectful of House on July 12, 1995. religion, open to appropriate religious expres- y n the last two years, I have visited with many sion, and teach about religion because it is so educators, parents, and religious leaders.I very much a part of our nation's history. But have become increasingly aware of the real need to teachers and principals should not be put in the find a new common ground when it comes to the position of advocating religion.EI place of religious expression and religious freedom in our public schools. Public schools should not be hostile to religion. August 29 Satellite Town ...Confusion about what the Courts will and will Meeting To Kick Off 1995- not allow should not lead teachers or principals to violate the many established religious rights of 96 Season students. ...The President is saying quite clearly that too With a special "Back to School" program, the many people have interpreted the Supreme Court August Town Meeting will air live on decisions as precluding religious expression. He Tuesday, August 29. from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. strongly disagrees and believes that the decisions Eastern time. Following this program, the Satellite do in fact allow great latitude for significant Town Meeting will return to its usual broadcast religious expression. The President feels that those schedule on the third Tuesday of each month. Call who believe that religious expression and religious I-800-USA-LEARN for information on satellite freedom are precluded by the decisions of the coordinates.. Court or the Constitution are just wrong. Proposals to Balance the Budget Differ Sharply on Education Editor's note: Although President Clinton and schools, accountability, teacher quality, access to Congress agree that the federal budget deficit must higher education, and financial aid for college. be balanced, their plans to accomplish this goal are So that parent, community, and education leaders significantly different, notably in the area of educa- have a better idea of how this budget debate affects tion. The new U.S. House leadership has proposed their state, below are projections of the net loss in cutting $40 billion in education and training spending funding between the President's plan and the plan of from 1996 to 2002. President Clinton's balanced the Congressional leadership. The Congressional budget proposal invests $36 billion more in education estimates are based on action taken on education and training from 1996 to 2002. only in the House Appropriations Subcommittee as At stake for students, families, schools and colleges this edition went to press. As the Congressional plan is a difference in investment of approximately $76 moves through the budget process, the figures may billion over the next 7 years. Areas affected most change. Watch this space for further updates. would be the basics and core academics, safety in Net Loss to States Based on initial Congressional Proposal FY 1998-2002 (amounts in millions)

Alabama $1060 Kentucky $980 North Dakota $240 Alaska $210 Louisiana $1390 Ohio $2520 Arizona $970 Maine $260 Oklahoma $930 Arkansas $610 Maryland $800 Oregon $670 California $6260 Massachusetts $1290 Pennsylvania $2700 Colorado $740 Michigan $2340 Rhode Island $250 Connecticut $480 Minnesota $1000 South Carolina $790 Delaware $150 Mississippi $890 South Dakota $260 Dist. of Columbia $720 Missouri $1160 Tennessee $1110 Florida $2490 Montana $280 Texas $4280 Georgia $1380 Nebraska $370 Utah $510 Hawaii $190 Nevada $200 Vermont $180 Idaho $270 New Hampshire $220 Virginia $1130 Illinois $2530 New Jersey $1220 Washington $1020 Indiana $1200 New Mexico $500 West Virginia $510 Iowa $670 New York $5210 Wisconsin $1120 Kansas $590 North Carolina 34$1230 Wyoming $170 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION POSTAGE AND FEES PAID WASHINGTON. D.C. 20202-0498 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OFFICIAL BUSINESS Permit NO. 0.1 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300

Issue No.27

17'3134 MS. June 5mith Rquic.itionS Secretor?, rrlc/Ir tuntInsta.n Moll 5i.erocuSe UniverSit, 13244

National Arts Partnership ing of other disciplines, focusing on math, science and technology education for grades Seeks To Integrate the Arts K-4. Assisted by a GOALS 2000 grant, the in School Reform district will work in partnership with Union Agroup of 100 national organizations, College to train teachers to use inquiry-based representing parents, businesses, arts and:. methods that emphasize active learning and the general education, museums, higher education, --connections between subject areas. The district foundations, and government agencies, are will collaborate with the Sch2nectady Museum, helping to make the arts a central component in the Empire State Aeroscience Museum, and state and local school improvement plans. New York State Museum as well as with indi- These organizations form the GOALS 2000 Arts vidual artists who also have specialties in math Partnership, which was convened by the Na- and science. tional Endowment for the Arts with support Schenectady is the world headquarters of from the U.S. Department of Education. The General Electric's Industrial and Power Systems Partnership will now be housed at the Council business as well as GE's Research and Develop- of Chief State School Officers. who will admin- ment Center, and the district has benefited from ister it with the National Assembly of State Arts GE's support of arts education, which has Agencies, helping to strengthen the link be- included funding, employee mentoring, and tween the arts and state and local education advocacy for programs. Dr. Walter Robb, reform. retired director of GE's Research and Develop- The arts are already being featured in innova- ment Center, summarizes how the arts can tive school improvement plans in communities stimulate student achievement in other areas. across the country. In Nuc la. Colorado, the "To develop future leadership for our commu- West End Public Schools District is implement- nity and our country, we need to encourage the ing a program, funded by a GOALS 2000 grant. development of abilities beyond technical skills. to raise academic standards and help all chil- Abilities like a dissatisfaction for the usual dren learn to their full potential by integrating approach... receptivity to continual change... to art instruction into the teaching of other subject be not just informed, but also aware. Hands-on areas. A task force will train school staff about involvement in the arts is one of the best 1.x.ys developing an arts-based curriculum and will for young people to gain these abilities." KU also reach out to the broader community to support the program. The arts education organi- Community Update Is eirhi,sned by r",, rtf,c, zation. Young Audiences, will assist the task Mtoramwmmor,,1J Am1-.0,,H7/1"?. force in developing innovative teaching strate- Assistant Serret,t gies through demonstrations and workshops in theatre, dance, and music. Senior Drrector Editor The Schenectady City School District in New Designer York is also integrating the arts into the teach- 3 2 INNIII41111k

417, '

No. 28. September 1995 U.S. Department of September Town Meeting To Show Community-Wide Education Effort for Educational Technology Featuring the city of Seattle. Washington, the September Satellite Town Meeting will provide insights on how one community is using educational technology to its full poten- '.'"1."4 tial. The program will look at how thoughtful p. planning for technology can help a community realize its vision for school reform. Entitled "Educational Technology: Linking Schools to the Future," the broadcast will coincide with the release of the Education Department's National Technology Plan, which sets out a course of action for the Department and other quo federal agencies to help states and communities use technology effectively to meet their educa- tion and lifelong learning goals. The hour-long Town Meeting will air live from 4r =fa PBS member station KCTS in Seattle on Tuesday, The September Town Meeting will discuss how commu- September 19, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time. The nity support can help schools get technology and program is closed-captioned and is simulcast in computers into the classroom. Spanish. Satellite coordinates are as follows .... U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education C-Band: GE Satcom C4, Orbital Location 135 Madeleine Kunin will host a conversation with degrees West; Transponder 9; Vertical Polarity; a panel of guests who have led efforts to Channel 9; Downlink Frequency 3880 mHz; implement technology plans in their schools Audio Subcarriers 6.2 mHz (Spanish) and 6.8 and the broader community. Topics of discus- mHz (English). sion will include how effective use of technol- Ku-Band: SBS-6, Orbital Location 95 degrees ogy in the classroom captures children's atten- West; Transponder 1; Horizontal Polarity; tion and allows them to learn at their own pace; Channel 1; Downlink Frequency 11717 mHz; how businesses can participate in school-wide Audio Subcarriers 6.2 mHz (Spanish) and 6.8 technology initiatives, including assisting mHz (English). school systems with access to quality software; To participate in the Satellite Town Meeting, and how an ongoing strategy of professional contact your local Public Broadcasting System development helps ensure that educators (PBS) member station, Chamber of Commerce, understand how to use technology to make the or Johnson Controls branch office and ask if your greatest impact on student learning. group can use the facility as a downlink site. SpeciatInserron-FamilrInvolvementiseeinsid*. Other possible sites are local schools, public libraries, community colleges, cable television The Department of Education produces the stations, universities and technical schools, Satellite Town Meeting series in partnership government offices, hospitals, businesses, hotels, with the National Alliance of Business and the or even private residences with satellite dishes. Center for Workforce Preparation with support Call 1-800-USA-LEARN for further information from Bayer, Inc. or to register your participation. Fp 11 Goals 2000 Videos Available rr he U.S. Department of Education offers a series of short videos showing how the concepts of Goals Tuesday, Aug. 29, 1995 at 8:30 p.m. E.T. 2000 can improve education Tapes include: "Back-to-School: New Partnerships with Par- Goals 2000: A New Standard of Learning - ents, Communities and Schools" showcases how a state, a school district and an individual school are using Goals 2000 strategies Tuesday, Sept. 19, 1995 at 8:30 p.m. E.T. to improve education and raise standards of "Educational Technology: Linking Schools to the learning. Also available in Spanish. (Approx. 17 Future" min.) Strong Families, Strong Schools - encourages Tuesday, Oct. 17, 1995 at 8:30 p.m. E.T. parental involvement in schools to help raise "Creative Business-Education Partnerships: academic standards and create safe learning How Business Can Support High Standards and environments for America's children. (Approx. 9 World-Class Schools" min.) Every Teacher, Every Childoffers straight Tuesday, Nov. 21, 1995 at 8:30 p.m. E.T. talk from teachers about how Goals 2000 differs "New Ideas for Professional Development: from prior reform efforts by supporting higher Giving Teachers the Skills and Knowledge standards for students and professional develop- Necessary for Today' s Schools" ment for teachers. (Approx. 8 min.) Taking Action for America's Children - Tuesday, Dec. 19, 1995 at 8:30 p.m. E.T. features state and national policymakers and "Proven Strategies for Helping Disadvantagededucators explaining how this federal/local Students: partnership supports grassroots school improve- High Standards and High Expectations" ment efforts. (Approx. 8 min.) Education Is Everybody's Business show- Tuesday, Jan. 16, 1996 at 8:30 p.m. E.T. cases one community's highly successful efforts "Civic Education, Character Education, and to improve education and lets viewers hear why Service Learning: business leaders applaud Goals 2000. Creative Ideas for Encouraging Better Students For free VHS copies of these tapes, contact the and Better Citizens" Office of Public Affairs at (202) 401-1576. re Tuesday, Feb. 20, 1996 at 8:30 p.m. E.T. "Community Colleges, Businesses, and Local Chambers: Key Partners in Career Preparation" The National Education Goals in Brief

Tuesday, Mar. 19, 1996 at 8:30 p.m. E.T. By the year 2000: "Charter Schools and Other New Ideas for Better Schools" AllChildren Ready to Learn Tuesday, April 21, 1996 at 8:30 p.m. E.T. 90 percent Graduation Rate "Improving Access to Higher Education: Prepar- ing for College, Academically and Financially" All Children Competent in Core Subjects Tuesday, May 21, 1996 at 8:30 p.m. E.T "Ideas for Improving Reading and Writing: The First in the World in Math and Science Cornerstone of Learning" Every Adult Literate and Able to Tuesday, June 18, 1996 at 8:30 p.m. E.T. Compete in the Work Force "School Discipline Strategies: Learning in an Orderly Environment" Safe, Disciplined, Drug-Free Schools Tuesday, July 16, 1996 at 8:30 p.m. E.T. Professional Development for Educators "Innovations in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education" Increased Parental Involvement in 9. 4 Learning Involvement Partnership for Learning

Local Partnerships in Wisconsin Promote READ*WRITE*NOW! ox Cities Alliance for Education is an initia- five of the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce and Industry located in Appleton, Wisconsin. (The 8 Fox Cities, home to 187,000 residents, include communities from Kaukauna in the north to Oshkosh in the south.) Under the ieadership of "5 Karen Helgerson, the Chamber's Task Force Chair I for Family Involvement in Children's Learning, g local employers associated with the Alliance have2

rallied around local schools to promote the 0_ READ*WRITE*NOW! program of the national Family Involvement Partnership for Learning. The In many ways, the commitment in the Fox Cities Employers and READ*WRITE*NOW! program enhances to the nationwide reading initiative affirms the key children in the Fox children's basic skills as well as their enjoyment of to success with family involvement activities: Cities participate in reading, encouraging children to read daily and READWRITEWOW! When local networks of parents, schools, and (from left to right) providing activities that can be completed with an employers work together, the goals of strengthen- Aisling Wallis, adult partner. ing family involvement in children's learning can age 2 1/2; Dan READ*WRITE*NOW! was embraced by local become a reality. Cia Spalding; Sharon Merryfield; Gary businesses in the Fox Cities region. Employers Welcome New Partners! and their workers developed a plan to serve as Zilavy, age 4. reading partners to students during the summer and The Family Involvement Partnership for to extend this program throughout the school year. Learning continues to grow. We are Employers also donated paper and supplies and delighted to welcome the newest mem- reproduced the printed materials for the program at bers and acknowledge their efforts in no cost. More than 1500 reading kits were distrib- support of family involvement in children's uted to students in the Fox Cities area over the learning. summer. Consumer Product Safety-Commission The efforts of Ameriprint Graphics exemplify what can be accomplished with family involve- Efficacy Institute ment in education. This family-owned business Katy Elementary School in Katy, Texas reproduced the READ*WRITE*NOW! kits. National Reclaim Our Youth Crusade Three generations of family members are involved National Alliance for Restructuring in the program. The grandparents printed the Education materials, the parents serve as adult reading tutors, and the grandchildren are student participants. Sarah Scott Middle School in Terre Haute, .indiana 4. Develop a planning calendar showing who will Resource Offers Practical he participating in what activity and when. Tips for Getting Involved The school-volunteer coordinator will be responsible for keeping the calendar and at School sending out reminders to participating volun- Editor' s Note: The following is an excet teers. from the Partners' Activity Guide, the publication 5. Ask the school principal if you can use your that supports Education Secretary Richard school's regular "back-to-school- activities to Riley' s back to school initiative. entitled let parents and the community know about "America Goes Back To School: A Place for your efforts. Use these events to enlist addi- Families and the Community." This guide tional volunteers. suggests ways you can become meaningfully involved in local schools and resources to assist 6. Develop and implement your plan. you in your eliOrts. For a copy of the complete 7. Meet regularly with the principal, teachers, and publication, write the GOALS 2000 Information other volunteers to review your progress. Resource Center, U.S. Department of Education. 8. Evaluate your results. Then write to the Room 2421,600 Independence Avenue. S.W.. Family Involvement Partnership for Learning Washington, D.C., 20202. in May 1996 to tell us what you've accom- merica Goes Back to School encourages plished and what you've learned. This will everyone to make a commitment to help us all do better next year. res children's learning. Getting involved can be simple and fun with enormous rewards for Recent Publications Help students and for you. When you get involved in America Goes Back Promote Family to School, you can work on one or more issues Involvement that Americans say they want their public schools The following useful to address. These issues include: resources are available Helping children to learn the basics and core through members of the academic subjects national Family Involvement Creating safe and drug-free school environ- Partnership for Learning. ments Creating Learning Communities: An Introduc- Making college more accessible tion to Community Education. This resource Getting technology and computers into class- discusses strategies for linking families, rooms schools, and community groups. Contact the National Community Education Association, Raising standards of achievement and disci- 3929 Old Lee Highway, Suite 91A. Fairfax, pline Va.. 22030. The phone number is (703) 359- Connecting students. schools, and families 8973 and the fax is (703) 359-0972. The cost with school-to-work opportunities and other for a single copy is $2.95. learning resources in the community. Teacher's Manual for Parent and Community The key to a successful back-to-school effort is Involvement. This book summarizes research planning the year-long acti vities. Here are some and provides tips on family involvement in suggested steps: children's learning. Contact the National Community Education Association. (Informa- 1. Call your school and schedule a start-up tion as above.) The book will be available in meeting with your school principal and other October 1995, and the cost is $17.95. interested volunteers. Grassroots Success! Preparing Schools and 2. Appoint a school-volunteer coordinator at your Families for Each Other. This resource guide first meeting or ask your school's principal offers tips for effective family-school collabo- and teachers if you can work through the local ration. Contact the National Association for school volunteer coordinator. Take an inven- the Education of Young Children. 1509 Six- tory of what activities are already under way teenth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036- that address the six issues above. 1426. The fee is $8.00 postpaid. 3. Determine which of the six issues will be bnployers Support Parenting: Making It useful to work on for the school year. You Work. A Practical Guide to Supporting Your may pick one or more. In fact. you may want Employees as Parents. This guide suggests to choose none of the six issues found in this family-friendly policies in the workplace that book but may decide to pick another critical support parent involvement in education. issue that concerns your schools, parents. and Write to the Greater Austin Chamber of community. Commerce, P.O. Box 1967, Austin, Tex.. 36 78767. The phone number is (512) 322-5628.E 1 Successful Schools Involve Parents, the Community, Town Meeting Learns y n a special program to kick off the new school I year, the August Satellite Town Meeting focused on how all Americans can make a year- long commitment to become meaningfully in- volved in their local schools and help prepare children to meet the challenges of the 21st century. U.S. Education Secretary Richard Riley announced his new back to school initiative, entitled V "America Goes Back to School. A Place tor n:11 t t Families and the Community." which encournes adults everywhere to participate in improving their tA. local schools and making them safe places of learning. Secretary Riley will officially launch this initiative on September 11 for schools. rigorously teach the basics and involve Secretary Riley's As part of the broadcast, a brief taped documen- families in learning; for businesses, provide back-to-school tary examined the question, "How good is Ameri- apprenticeships and training opportunities tor initiative encourages adults everywhere to can education'r John Anderson of the New students and teachers; and for community and be actively involved in American Schools Development Corporation. religious groups, offer mentormg programs and their local schools Stephen Trachtenberg, President of George homework centers. throughout the year Washington University, and David Grissmer, a A resource guide offering a variety of ways you researcher from the RAND Corporation, offered can become involved in improving your local their insights. While they observed that much schools is available from the GOALS 2000 Infor- work lies ahead in school reform, they noted mation Resource Center, U.S. Department of positive trends in American education, such as the Education, Room 242/,600 Independence Avenue, increasing proportion of high school students S.W.,Washington, D.C., 20202. 571 enrolled in core academic courses and the higher proportion of students graduating high school. Guest panelists emphasized how parental support and community involvement strengthen Fathers Encouraged to their successful school improvemcnt efforts. Get Involved in Children's Shelia Dent, president of the Oakcrest Elementary PTA in Landover. Maryland, offered practical Learning advice to busy parents who want to be involved in D resident Clinton has requested all their children's learning. "Parents don't have to departments and agencies to examine come into the school to be involved. They can their programs and policies as they pertain to spend 10 minutes at home reading with their child fathers. According to the president, the involve- or listening to their child read. Something as ment of fathers must be taken as a national simple as putting away the groceries that gives concern: "I am also aware," the president wrote, some math concept training can be a good activity "that strengthening fathers' involvement with their for children." children cannot be accomplished by the federal Panelist David Belton, Vice President of Educa- government alone: the solutions lie in the hearts tion at the Charlotte, North Carolina Chamber of and consciences of individual fathers and the Commerce, noted why many businesses are support of the families and communities in which playing an active role in education reform. "The they live." business community has realized that helping The Family Involvement Partnership for education is a good business investment. Unless Learning encourages fathers to be active partici- we do that, we will not have good employees later pants in their children's education. Does your on." organization sponsor a family involvement At the Town Meeting's close, Deputy Secretary program that is intended to strengthen the role of Kunin reviewed ways that families, schools, fathers in children's learning'? We would like to businesses, and community and religious groups hear from you about your efforts and include can work in partnership to improve education. descriptions ot' your programs in future issues of Practical tips were suggested for each group, Community Update. Write to the Family Involve- including: for families, read and write together, ment Partnership, 600 Independence Avenue, use TV wisely, and keep in contact with teachers: S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202-8173. El U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION POSTAGE AND FEES PAID WASHINGTON, D C 20202--0498 U S DEPARTMENT Of EDUCATION Permit NO G-1, OFFICIAL BUSINESS L PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300 FIRST CLASi-

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Projects winning awards this year included one Technology Partnership in Minnesota that connected students with the Will Steger Arctic expedition. Students at Heart Supports Spread of Good of the Lakes Elementary and Perham High School Ideas in Perham tested snow samples and communi- n eight states in the Great Lakes region, a cated the results of their research over the Internet successful public/private partnership rewards with other students in the U.S., Denmark, Russia, innovation in educational technology and encour- and Japan. The project generated enthusiasm ages the spread of good ideas from classroom to school-wide at Perham High School where classroom. The "Pioneering Partners for Educa- students in the home ec department designed a tional Technology" program was created by the flag that accompanied the Arctic expedition. governors of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minne- In another winning project, students at Douglas sota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wis- MacArthur Elementary in Indianapolis followed consin. GTE Telephone Operations has funded the journey of a fictitious frog from the city's "Pioneering Partners" since its origin in 1991. Buck Creek to the Gulf of Mexico. The project Under the program, three teams of educators utilized IBM's Linkway software, which is readily from each state are recognized annually for their available and easy to use. innovative classroom projects utilizing technol- The governors involved in the "Pioneering ogy. Comprising two to three members, the teams Partners" program place a high priority on educa- join the talents of teachers, principals, librarians. ti,w._4o; part of their long-term strategy for the business partners, and technology resource 'region's economic growth. They believe the specialists. The winning teams each receive a emphasis on developing a workforce to be skilled base grant of $3,000 and matching funds of up to in managine technology contributes to the $2,000 if they are able to raise additional money. region's attractiveness for new businesses. "Stu- They are also linked to a special electronic dents are sharpening skills they'll need in high network called GreatLinks Net as well as to the performance workplaces of the future." said Internet. where they can communicate with Michigan Governor John Engler. current and past award winners and collaborate on Governor Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin, the lesson ideas. lead governor on the project. summarizes why A special feature of "Pioneering Partners" is "Pioneering Partners" is an effective program. "It that winning educators are charged with the goes beyond just rewarding innovative ideas. The responsibility for sharing their model projects program actively markets these innovations to with other teachers. Soon after receiving their other teachers and students." Efi grants, winning teams attend a week-long training Comrilunity Update is published t-1tr,i, Office ol summit, paid for by a scholarship. where they Inienovernmen?.1' 4,, learn how to effectively communicate their ideas to other teachers. At the summit, teams create a Assistant Secret,ir v it 14 I;1, dissemination plan and choose a target audience, Senior Director which can be other teachers in their own school, Editor in the school district, or across the Great Lakes Designer region. 411141111 NNUIIIill IMAIIII

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sm. 29, October 1995 U.S. Department ot Keep Up the Battle for Excellence and High Standards, Education Secretary Riley Urges "I was so pleased to note that yesterday. when he n a speech at the National Press Club last had so many other thinas on his mind, our national month. U.S. Secretary of Education Richard hero. Cal Ripken. had as his first priority taking his Riley reported on recent progress in education five-year-old daughter Rachel to her first day at reform and defined priorities for the future. Riley school." said Riley. "On the day that all eyes in noted positive trends in education, including that America were on this outstanding athlete and role S.A.T. scores and model, he had his eyes on letting his dauehter national scores in know that her education, her school, and her math and science principal were important to him." have risen, more Secretary Riley outlined the top two concerns students are taking that parents have regarding their children's educa- tougher courses that tion. The first is how to finance their children's prepare them for college education. Riley cited a recent Gallup Poll college and for life, that found that 98 percent of all parents expect their and more high children to go on to college or to some form of school graduates are higher education. He said the Education Depart- going directly to ment received three million calls about student aid college. last year alone, and the demand is growing. Another positive Riley underscored the need to continue the new trend in education Direct Lending program, which is helping three cited by Riley is the million students finance their college education. growth of family "The President and I are committed to defending U.S. Education involvement in education, which he has encour- Direct Lending. It's a program that is good for the Secretary Richard aged as one of his top priorities. A year ago, country and good for our colleges." Riley spoke at the Riley launched the national Family Involvement National Press Club The second primary concern of parents, accord- on September 7. Partnership for Learning, which now has more ing to Riley, is how to prepare their children than 150 national organizations as members who academically for the rigors of higher education and are actively promoting the central role of families a complex world. Riley emphasized the impor- in learning. Member organizations include the tance of continued support for the GOALS 2000 John,Hancock Insurance Company, Turner program to address this concern. Broadcasting, the Walt Disney Company, the "We need to prepare our children for college and National PTA, and a broad range of religious for life, and we will not prepare them if we lose our institutions representing 75 percent of all reli- way and give up the battle for excellence and high giously affiliated Americans. standards. And that is what is at stake in the battle This year Secretary Riley is continuing his over GOALS 2000 ... and the future of education focus on family involvement with hi.z back-to- funding. Thosr.! of us who believe our children can and must learn to high standards and believe in safe and disciplined schools cannot let this happen." school effort:America Goes Back to School: A "Let's tell the young people of this country and Place for Families and the Community.The their families that we believe in them and in their effort, which is winning widespread support, future," Riley said in conclusion, "that we want the encourages all Americans to find ways to get best for them and that we will do all we can as involved in their local schools throughout the Americans to give them the best education pos- year. 39 sible." En To participate in the Satellite ToWn Meeting. October Town Meeting Willcontact your local Public Broadcasting System Explore the Vital Role of (PBS) member station. Chamber of Commerce, or Johnson Controls branch office and ask if your Business in School Reform group can use the facility as a downlink site. Other possible sites are local schools, public The October Satellite Town Meeting will look libraries, community colleges, cable television at how businesses are working in partnership stations. universities and technical schools, with schools to support challenging academic government offices. hospitals. businesses, hotels. standards, real-world learnina opportunities for or even private residences with satellite dishes. students and teachers. and family involvement in Call 1-800-USA-LEARN for further information education. or to register your participation. fa Entitled "Creative Busine:s-Education Partner- ships: How Business Can Support High Standards and World-Class Schools,'" the hour-long Town Resource Encourages Meeting will air live on Tuesday, October 17, at Parent Involvement in 8:30 p.m. Eastern time. The program is closed- captioned and is simulcast in Spanish. Learning U.S. Secretary of n a touching remembrance of one child's brief "In virtually everything else we do in Education Richard Riley Ilife, a newly released videotape encourages the United States, we set high and Deputy Secretary parents to get involved in their children's learning standards and strive to be No. 1. Why Madeleine Kunin will The tape, entitled "The Last Centurion," was not in education? ...We put a man in host a conversation with produced by the National Association for Gifted a panel of guests from space because we set a goal that was Children (NAGC) and Reg and Maggie Green, communities across the beyond not within our grasp. We parents of Nicholas Green. Nicholas was killed at country who have the age of seven in a random shooting in Sicily in need the same approach fdr education. helped develop success- September 1994. The title derives from Nicholas' And we must be relentless in its ful partnerships between fascination with stories of honor and valor. pursuit. The lessons we understand sobusinesses and schools. Interviews with Nicholas' parents and teacher well in every other aspect of our lives Topics of discussion wiii paint a vivid picture of the cooperative effort must be translated into education or include how schools can between home and school in his education, which approach businesses to else we will lose." can serve as a model for other parents and educa- create new partnerships, tors. Nicholas' parents showed interest in what Ix Louis V. Gerstner, Jr., Chairman and CEO,how family-friendly was learning at school and made visits to his policies in the workplace classroom. They used reading time at home and IBM Corporation can help schools connect Remarks at the National Governors' trips to the library to enrich his classroom experi- with parents, and how ence. Association Annual Meeting businesses can assist Nicholas' parents hope that their son's life will Burlington, Vermont schools with access to be a legacy for other families to support the July 30. 1995 quality educational development of their children's talents to the equipment and software fullest potential; they have donated the money so that students learn skills needed for the 21st the) saved for Nicholas' college education toward century. this effort. The Department of Education produces the "Children develop at different speeds and in Satellite Town Meeting series in partnership with different ways." Nicholas' father stat,..s in the the National Alliance of Business and the Center video. "To help a child who's having difficulty is for Workforce Preparation with support from the rewarding. To help a child who's very good at Bayer Foundation and The Procter and Gamble something do even better can send the human Fund. spirit soaring. What a noble idea it is to try to Satellite coordinates are as follows.... provide the conditions so that every child can Galaxy 4. Orbital Location 99 degrees reach towards his potential." West; Transponder 5; Horizontal Polarity; Chan- "The Last Centurion" can be purchased for nel 5; Downlink Frequency 3800 MHz; Audio $17.50 (add sales tax in Calif.). with all proceeds Subcarriers 6.2 MHz (Spanish) and 6.8 MHz going to the NAGC Nicholas Green Education (English). Fund. Write to Corporate Productions. Inc.. 4516 - Galaxy 7. Orbital Location 91 Mariota Avenue. Toluca Lake. Calif.. 91602. Thc degrees West: Transponder 10; Vertical Polarity: phone number to order is (818) 760-2622: the fax Channel 10; Downlink Frequency 11900 MHz: number is (818) 760-8619. For more information Audio Subearriers 6.2 MHz (Spanish) and 6.8 on the National Association for Gifted Children, MHz (English). 4 0 contact Peter Rosenstein at (202) 785-4268.Pa

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Join the Back-to-School Effort

During the week of September II Secretary Riley launched the nationwide back-to- school initiative. America Goes Back to School: A Place for Families and the Community, which is being sponsored by the national Family Involve- ment Partnership for Learning. Americans from all walks of life are participating in the effort by going back to school, meeting with students, teachers. and principals, and findin2 creative ways to getinvolved in children's learning. The President. cabinet members, members of Congress. governors, mayors. athletes, entertain- ers, astronauts. artists, military personnel, engi- neers, and members of the community at large On September 9, Secretary Riley and mem- have helped promote the back-to-school campaign. bers of the Family Involvement Partnership Secretary Riley is uraing all Americans to carry for Learning joined approximately 4,000 this momentum throughout the entire school year teachers and education professionals, state and to stay involved in their local schools. officials, celebrity guests, and all their A resource entitled "The Partners' Activity families at Walt Disney World Epcot for a Guide- is available to support your back-to-school special celebration of the America Goes efforts. Call I -800-USA-LEARN for a free copy. Back to School initiative. Do you have a back-to-school story or photo to As part of the back-to-school festivities. share with Community Update readers? Do you Dick Nunis, Chairman of Disney Attractions, have ideas on how the positive momentum for signed on to the Family Involvement Partner- back-to-school activities can be maintainedand ship for Learning, affirming Disney's commit- how more Americans can become involved? ment to family-friendly policies and pro- Write us at the Family Involvement Partnership for grams. Learning, 600 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington. D.C.. 20202-8173.riE

Welcome New Partners! TBSC Learning Systems, Inc. The national Family Involvement Partnership Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. for Learning acknowledges its newest United States Air Force members: United States Army Aspen Systems Corporation United States Marine Corps The Learning Community United States Navy Marian College Walt Disney World Co. Save the Dates! PirmuY--.. The Armed i'...-.-...... / October 20-22 Children's Sabbaths. Spon- Services Show sored by Children's Defense Fund (CDF). Special materials appropriate for different Strong Support religious denominations are available through for Back-to-School Effort CDF by calling 202-662-3589. October 26-29 School-College Collabora- ll four armed services are actively supporting tion Conference of the American Associa- the nationwide back-to-school initiative, tion for Higher Education (AAHE), Renais- America Goes Back to School: A Place for Fami- sance Hotel, Washington. D.C. AAHE, a lies and the Community. Personnel have been partner in the Family Involvement Partnership visiting local schools, volunteering as mentors and for Learning, is devoting an entire section of tutors, and getting involved in their children's the conference to "Community and Parental education. In many instances, this participation is Involvement." A special panel discussion that a continuation of efforts over the last several will consider a draft of a strategic plan for years. For example, at Fort Hood. Texas, soldiers teacher training sessions will be held. The attend parent-teacher conferences every three panel, chaired by Professor Joe Nathan of the weeks as part of their military service if they have University of Minnesota. includes Alan children enrolled at area schools. Ginsburg, Director of the Education This year, with the special emphasis on the Department's Planning and Evaluation Ser- back-to-school effort, the Armed Services' vice, and Sue Ferguson. chair of the National participation in education is even more extensive: Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education. November 19-25 National Family Week. ; This is an opportunity for Family Involvement notified its 184 installations and Partners to share their efforts with the commu- asked personnel to get involved in nity at large and increase awareness of the mu the back-to- school effort. need for family involvement in education. MU informes al bases worldwi e and is conducting special back-to-school initiatives around the count . Employers' Group :r1Y, rii7rrxpr., Develops Family notified its 191 Marineorps Reserve Sites and sent them copies of back-to- Involvement Sign-On school materials such as the Partners' During the past eight months, a hardworking ActiviGuide. group of employer representatives has been 41100 meeting to develop a sign-on process for family- got the word out to its 375 ships and friendly businesses that want to join the national 3400 Commands. Family Involvement Partnership for Learning. Resource Encourages High The group has now completed its work, and the result is "The Employer's Promise,- a statement Visibility for Family Involvement that expresses the willingness of businesses to neof our newest members of the Family implement family-friendly programs and policies OInvolvement Partnership for Learning, the that encourage employees to get involved in their Learning Community, has developed a children's learning. series of video clips that focus on key paren- Members of the family-friendly business tal concerns, including school safety, learn- working group include representatives of the ing to challenging standards, classroom following employers: Motorola. Hemmings Motoi technology, community involvement and News, Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce, John much more. The Learning Community is Hancock Financial Services. Marriott Interna- making available at cost its information kit tional, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Army, and demo videotape so that you can review American College Testing, GTE Corporation, the materials and bring them to the attention CHASSELLE. Hewlett-Packard Corporation, and of your local TV station's news director.You Southern California Edison. may also wish to share these materials with These employers are committed to making the your local school district. To place your business world compatible with parents' efforts te order, contact Dr. Sarah J. Stanley at The Learning Community, 5301 Beethoven Street, support their children's learning. To request a Suite 109, Los Angeles, Calif., 90066-7061. copy of the Employer's Promise, write: The phone number is (310) 822-3275. The The Family Involvement Partnership fax is (310) 822-0269. The cost of the infor- 600 Independence Ave., S.W. mation kit and demo video is $5.00.rig4 9 Washington, D.C. 20202-8173. ra September Town Meeting Panelist Pat Moriarty. coordinator of the Teacher Development Center in Everett. Washington Discusses Moving from agreed. "Having technology in the elementary Vision to Reality with classrooms levels the playing field between students and teachers. Teachers are forced to look Technology at themselves as lifelong learners." Broadcast live from Seattle. Washington. a The way that the business community can community that has made a major commit- support schools in getting quality educational ment to providing schools with up-to-date-com- equipment and software was another theme of the puters and software. the September Satellite Town program. Rick Seaal, Director of Educational Meetina focused on bringing technology into the Initiatives for Microsoft Corporation in Redmond. schools as part of an overall strategy of education Washington, described his company's plan to set reform. The program aired live from thc studios up a computer network for the national PTA and of PBS member station KCTS. which provided all state PTA offices, including those overseas. assistance with production. Microsoft will partner with COMPAQ to provide In the opening segment, viewers got a look at a all the computer equipment and wiring necessary school-community partnership in south-central for this plan. "The PTA is really the core of every Seattle called "Powerful Schools," which is community," Segal said. "Our hope is to empower benefiting students. teachers, parents, and the those people with technology ... to help change the community at large. A primary objective of way people think about why technology is going Powerful Schools is to expand and share technol- into the schools and convince the community ogy resources. At Hawthorne Elementary, one of about what the return on investment is." the partner schools, students have access to the At the Town Meeting's close, Deputy Secretary wealth of information on the Internet, and the Kunin announced a resource from the Education school stays open in the afternoons and evenings Department to assist schools and communities so that community members can also use com- with developing technology plans. It's called puter labs. "Making It Happen," and it contains practical Panelist Kent Keel, technology director for the advice for obtaining top quality software and Kent School District in Kent, Washington, de- equipment, linking classrooms to the Information scribed another example of thoughtful community Superhighway, providing teachers with the skills planning for technology. His school district of they need to use technology, and involving par- over 24,000 students won public support for bond ents, businesses, and the entire community in issues so that every classroom in 36 campuses will expanding and sharing technology resources. To be connected to the Information Superhighway. order a copy of Making It Happen, write to the The Kent district's strategic plan for technology GOALS 2000 Information Resource Center, U.S. includes "toolboxes" for teachers that help teach- Department of Education, Room 2421. 600 ers integrate the vast resources of the Internet into Independence Ave., S.W.. Washington, D.C.. their lesson plans. 20202. fffi "There's no magic in computers: there's no magic in wires.- said Keel. "The magic is teach- The National Education Goals in Brief ers working with the students to learn something." A student from the Kent district, Jason Martin, By the year 2000: performed an in-studio technology demonstration. All Children Ready to Learn showing how he used the World Wide Web on the Internet to do research for a term paper on Ben- 90 percent Graduation Rate jamin Franklin. Jason's ease with technology and the way that other students have mastered technol- All Children Competent in Core ogy resources became a theme of the program. Subjects Caller Art Smith of Lacey Township, New Jersey. reported that his students were broadcasting the First in the World in Math and Science Town Meeting live on their cable access television station at Lacey High School. Caller Suzanna Every Adult Literate and Able to Beck, a multimedia technology instructor at Compete in the Work Force Martin Luther King Middle School in San Bernadino, California, said that her students train Safe, Disciplined, Drug-Free Schools their peers in the use of technology and then train teachers, including visitors from other campuses.. Professional Development for Educators Dc.puty Secretary Kunin noted that "technology leapfrogs over the usual hierarchy we have in Increased Parental Involvement in education where we think that the teacher is the Learning 43 authority and the student is always the learner:: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION POSTAGE AND FEES PAID WASHINGTON. D.C. 20202-0498 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OFFICIAL BUSINESS Permit NO. 017 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300

1751:34 M.jUlle Smi th quislt Ions Secretary C)30 Hunt in Rit nn Ha 1 3. jr-a:UsE.

Funding for Major Education Programs To Be Decided Editor' s note: Although President Clinton and Congress sharea long-term goal to balance the federal budget, they differ greatly in their suppotY for investing in education reform and .financialaid for college students. The President has requested a $900 million overall increase in the educationbudget. while the U.S. House of Representatives voted to cut education funding by $3.7 billion (15percent below the 1995 level), and the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee proposedto cut funding by $2.2 billion (9 percent below the 1995 level). The House and Senate will soon meet in a conference committee to drafta single proposal to send to the President. As this edition went to press. President Clinton announced his intentionto veto any bill which severely limits effective federal support for communities workingto improve academic achieve- ment. create safer schools. and bring innovative technology into classrooms. The chart below compares 1995 funding levels for major Education Departmentprograms to the 1996 levels proposed by the President, the House, and the Senate. PROPOSED FUNDING FOR MAJOR DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PROGRAMS (In housands of dollars)

Program FY 1995 President's U.S. House of Senate App. op's Recommendation Representatives Committee GOALS 2000- $371,870 $750,500 $0.00 $310,000 school grants Community Update rc puhlishen Title 1/ $6,698,356 $7,000,000 $5,555,000 $6,019,398 Office Basic Skills Help Intergovenui),; and Inter,?0,-' v Safe/Drug-Free $466,000 $500,000 $200,000 $200,0001

Assistant School To Work $122,500 $200,000 $95,000 $122,500 Secretary A/lAiM) Pell Grants $6,146,845 $6,601,5032 $5,697,0003 $5,400,0004 'Senior Director for college students JOHN At,, ;;;1 7, , NOTES: Editor J()Hi 1 An additional $200 million is to be transferred to the Substance Abuse and MentalHealth Services of HHS. Designer 2 The House raised the ceiling for awards to $2,440 but also increased the minimumaward amount. thereby dropping 360.000 students from the program. Ri 11M/16'A J1/1116 3 Includes $2,129,366,000 for skill grants, which was requested by Labor Dept.under proposed legislation. 4 An additional $715,000,000 is carried over from previous years. IS 44 Community'ate

No.30. November 1995 U.S. Department of Americans View the Basics as Central to High Standards Education A !though a majority of Americans is not fully private school teachers are better educators than A..satisfied with public schools. most do not public school teachers. favor solutions that have received widespread On other high-priority issues for Americans. media attention, such as privatization of public private schools earned a better rating than public school districts or vouchers. Many Americans schools. Sixty-one percent said private schools favor solutions that education reformers are are more likely to provide order and discipline in advocating: 28 percent support comprehensive the classroom, and 51 percent said private schools school improvement, and 20 percent want to provide more safety and security. Fifty-three increase funding for public schools. The findings percent said private schools have higher academic are part of a study entitled Assignment Incom- standards for student learning than public schools. plete: The Unfinished Business of Education The research for Assignment Incomplete was Reform. which was prepared by the Public conducted in the summer of 1995, utilizing a Agenda Foundation in collaboration with the telephone survey, a mail survey, and the results Institute for Educational Leadership. from a dozen focus groups across the country. The report showed that a majority of parents. The telephone survey polled 1,200 Americans, teachers, and other citizens believe that most including 439 parents with children currently children will thrive under a system of higher attending public schools and 237 public school standards. Seven in ten Americans (71 percent) teachers. The mail survey explored the views of said that youngsters would "pay more attention to 417 education administrators and 734 decision their school work and study harder" with higher makers in business. government, the media. and standards in place, and 72 percent said that other sectors. youngsters would "actually team more." Assignment Incomplete is part of a three-year As a foundation for higher standards, the project Public Agenda has undertaken with the overwhelming majority of respondents (92 Institute for Educational Leadership to sponsor in- percent) said that teaching the basics is absolutely depth discussions of education issues among essential. The public recognizes that students parents, educators, business people, and other need an education that extends beyond the basics residents in communities across the country. The to prepare them for the challenges of the 21st Public Agenda Foundation is a nonpartisan. century and favors a "basics first,- not a "basics nonprofit organization dedicated to helping only" approach. citizens understand complex policy issues and to Americans do have confidence in public schools articulating the public's point of view to the in several important areas. Fifty-three percent say nation's leaders. The Institute for Educational that public schools are more likely than private Leadership is also a nonpartisan, nonprofit organi- schools to provide an environment that teaches zation, which has sought in its 30-year history to kids to deal with people from diverse back- encourage citizen leadership to improve educa- grounds. Fifty-one percent believe that public tional, economic and civic opportunities for all. 7.7777-71777-774=%' To purchase the full Assignment Incomplete , - , 'Ole Ltgui.;;;;;,;.;:u;7;4., report, contact Public Agenda, 6 East 39th Street, ." _:717"tIllr:""il New York, N.Y., 10016. The cost is $10.00 per schools provide a better education for children copy plus $2.50 for shipping. Bulk orders are with special needs. such as the physically handi- available. To place an order by phone. call (212) capped. Only 33 percent of Americans think that 686-6610. ism 45 November Town Meeting nel 5: Downlink Frequency 3800 MHz: Audio Will Discuss Innovative Subcarriers 6.2 MHz (Spanish) and 6.8 MHz (English). Programs to Help SBS-6. Orbital Location 74 degrees West: Transponder 15: Horizontal Polarity: Teachers Succeed Channel 15: Downlink Frequency 12075 MHz: he November Satellite Town Meeting will Audio Subcarriers 6.2 MHz (Spanish) and 6.8 Tlook at how high-quality professional devel- MHz (English). opment opportunities enable educators to be To participate in the Satellite Town Meeting, leaders in school reform. contact your local Public Broadcasting System Entitled "New Ideas for Professional Develop- (PBS) member station. Chamber of Commerce, ment: Giving Teachers the Skills and Knowledge or Johnson Controls branch office and ask if your Necessary for Today's Schools." the hour-long group can use the facility as a downlink site. Town Meeting will air live on Tuesday, Novem- Other possible sites are local schools, public ber 21. at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time. The program is libraries, community colleges. cable television closed-captioned and is simulcast in Spanish. stations, universities and technical schools. U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Madeleine government offices, hospitals, businesses, hotels, Kunin will host a conversation with award- or even private residences with satellite dishes. winning teachers and their community partners Call 1-800-USA-LEARN for further information from across the country. The Town Meeting will or to register your participation. Lifj discuss how parents. principals, superintendents. and community and business leaders can support professional development programs as part of a comprehensive school improvement strategy. National Other topics will include how local businesses can Community play a critical role in professional development programs and how training educators is key to the Education Day success of bringing technology into the schools. The Department of Education produces the Tuesday, November 21. 1995 marks the 14th Satellite Town Meeting series in partnership with annual National Community Education the National Alliance of Business and the Center Day. This year's theme as selected by the Na- for Workforce Preparation with support from the tional Community Education Associationa Bayer Foundation and The Procter and Gamble member of the Family Involvement Partnership Fund. for Learning isSchools and Families: Satellite coordinates are as follows Partners Through Community Education. -H.-Galaxy 4. Orbital Location 99 degrees For additional information, please call NCEA at West: Transponder 5: Horizontal Polarity: Chan- 703-359-8973. CS Budget Debate Affects Key Education Programs Editor's note: Although President Clinton and Congress share a long-term goal to balance the federal budget, they differ greatly in their support for investing in education for the 1996-97 school year. The charts below compare the numbers of schools and children that would be served by two important U.S. Department of Education programs in budgets proposed by the President, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the U.S. Senate Appro- priations Committee. The House and Senate will soon meet in a conference committee to draft a single budget proposal to send tothePresident. Please watch this space for further updates. GOALS 2000: Supporting Community Efforts to Improve Schools Title I/Basic Skills Help

: - Budget Children lo. 1996-1997 1 ' Amount Served , ....,14 prosident. $750.500,000 17,000 Presi.ent $7,000.000,000 7,100.000

:-..7',-.. -,: SenatCt $310.000,000 7,400 ,Senatii :If $6.019.398.000 6.100.000

-.z..4...-,:,;:c.'7,:r,-* ., (no funds) c U S so $5 555 000 000 5,600,000 _i...._---...-...... -U.S. Haus* 4M111M Family Involvement Partnership for Learning

National Campaign Promotes Parent Involvement in Learning '1 Hand in Hand: Parents * Sclwols * Communi- ties United Pr Kids is a new national campaign dedicated to building stronger links between learnine at home and at school. Hand in Hand is a partnership between the Institute for Educational Leadership, the Mattel Foundation. and Teacher Barbie', a Mattel prod- uct whose proceeds will help fund the campaign A diverse coalition of national family and educa- tion organizations supports Hand in Hand, includ- ing the National Urban League. National Council of La Raza, National PTA. and Council of Great City Schools. (from left to right) Through a recent national study,Hand in Hand establish closer working relationships. The timing Gloria DeNocochea, found that family participation in children's school of "National Take Our Parents to School Week- Manager of the Mattel activities is limited primarily due to a lack of time coincides with American Education Week. Foundation: Michael or knowledge about how to get involved. The The "National Take Our Parents to School Usdan, President of the Institute for campaign is working to encourage schools to be Week- kickoff will take place November 13 at a Educational Leader- more welcoming to families and employers to be New York City public school in a national news ship; and Jill Barad. more flexible about allowing parents time off to event to highlight what corporations, public policy Chief Operating Officer participate at school. Working with organizations leaders, and schools around the country are doina for Mattel Toys. Inc.. already active in family involvement.Hand in to support closer ties between parents and schools. attended the kickoff to Handwill focus its initial efforts on eight commu- Hand in Handis planning events in its eight target Hand In Hand in Los Angeles. nities: Birmingham. Ala.; Chicago; Dallas; Los cities and can provide assistance to groups that Angeles: New York; Philadelphia; Portland. Ore.; want to organize events in other communities. and Tampa, Fla. While many of the campaign's For more information about "National Take Our activities will take place in these cities. Hand in Parents to School Week- or Hand in Hand, write Hand urges every community to join in the cause. Hand in Handat 1010 Wisconsin Avenue N.W.. "National Take Our Parents to School Week- Suite 800. Washington. D.C.. 20007. Useful (No ember 12-18) is one way Hand in Hand will resources are also available fromHandin Hand. focus public attention on the need for stronger including brochures with parent and teacher tips collaboration between parents and teachers. The and a community involvement poster. To request purpose ot the event is to initiate exciting actiities an order form for these materials, write to the where parents and foster parents, family members same address. (Note: There is a small shipping and friends, and teachers and other school staff can charge for some publications.) El - New Resource Supports s READ*WRITE*NOW! Tutors ast summer, the Family Involvement Partner- LLi ship for Learning launched a year-round nationwide reading and writing initiative. READ*WRITE*NOW! The program, developed with the assistance of literacy and education groups and corporate sponsors. including Pizza Hut, provided reading activities tor children and their adult or teen reading partners. A new publication, entitled "The Oalt READ- WRITE' NOW! Partners Tutoring Pro-

.410 gram. is now available to help guide reading partners through the tutoring process Developed by the U.S. Department of Education and Hadassah, the booklet suggests a step-by-step method for structuring a tutoring session, instruc- Mike O'Malley, host of Nickelodeon's Nationally Nickelodeon's game tional techniques when reading aloud with chil- show "Guts," served as Televised "Big Help" dren, and follow-up activities. emcee for the Big Help To order "The READ*WRITE*NOW! Partners event, and pop singer Promotes Learning Tutoring Program." free of charge. callI -800- Brandy was the host USA-LEARN. CM during the hour ast month. Nickelodeon's nationally tele- featuring education and Ivised "Big Help," which encourages children learning. to volunteer in service to their families. schools, and communities, included a new focus on Family involve- education. Nickelodeon, a partner in the Educa- ment in tion Department's READ*WRITE*NOW! children's learning is a program, devoted one hour of its full day of Big dynamic process in Help programming to the theme ot' education and which continuous learning. improvement is a key The live programming for BIG HELP origi- component. We would nated from the backlot of Universal Studios in like to learn about how Hollywood where approximately 6,000 children you evaluate your attended a block party. The Education program's effectiveness. Department's booth at the block party promoted Do you evaluate your family involvement the theme that children can he Big Helpers for programs annually? education in two ways: making sure they arc What indicators have you identified to mea- educated themselves and helping others to learn. sure the effectiveness of your programs'? Children had the chance to begin their service Do you incorporate the results of your assess- projects at the Education Department booth. ment efforts in your long-term planning? They created 1.000 bookmarks that were donated Wc look forward to hearing from you, so that to Rolling Readers (a project of Reading Is we can share your assessment strategies with Fundamental) and the Los Angeles Public Li- other members of the Partnership. Write to the brary. A total of 2,000 hooks were also collected Family Involvement Partnership. 600 Indepen- during the day to he distributed by Rolling dence Avenue. S.W.. Washington. D.C. 20202- Readers to disadvantaged children. Visitors to the I 73. rin Education Department's booth received materials for how the newspaper can be used to enhance Welcome New Partners! children's reading skills. READ''WRITEY'NOW! The national Family Involvement Partner- kits. and calendars with learning activities. ship for Learning welcomes our newest Other members and supporters of the national partners and acknowledges their commitment Family Involvement Partnership for Learning to helping families fulfill their central role in taking part at the Big Help were: American Paper learning: Converters. Books and Beyond. Crayola. Los Angeles Public Library. the Los Angeles Times. American School Counselor Association Reading Is Fundamental. Rolling Readers. and The Bureau of Jewish Education, Boston, the School Supply and Equipment Association. M Mass. October Town Meeting Demonstrates New Dialogue Between Businesses and Schools When businesses and schools define their common interests and work together to set an agenda for education reform, real change is within reach. This theme was evident in the inspirational stories of creative business-education partnerships from across the country that were featured in October's Satellite Town Meetina. U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley was joined by special guest moderator Pete Williams of NBC News in a lively conversation that focused on how businesses can support high academic education partnership developed by JCPenney Bayer Corporation's standards. real-world learning opportunities for Company and the National Alliance of Business. involvement in school students. and family-friendly employment policies. (See article p. 6). JCPenney operates with site- reform focuses on improving science Deputy Secretary Kunin could not participate in based management for its stores and is sharing education. Hundreds the program because she was travelling with the this experience with local schools. of Bayer scientists First Lady in South America. Secretary Riley announced a way for more have donated their In a taped message. Bert Roberts, CEO of NICI businesses to act involved in education and join time to help schools Corporation and head ot' the National Alliance of the national Family Involvement Partnership for and other institutions provide hands-on Business, set the stage for the discussion by urging Learnina, which has nearly 160 national organiza- science programs to businesses to let schools know what skills are tions as members that support the family's central local children. Here. needed in the workforce. Viewers then got a look role in learning. A new sign-on process to the Bayer scientist at the successful partnership between the Chamber Partnership called the "Employer's Promise- will Sanjeev Madan talks of Commerce and Charlotte-Mecklenburg School be officially launched in mid-November. The with third graders at Forest Grove Elemen- District in Charlotte, N.C., where cooperation Employer's Promise is a general statement of tary School in Pitts- between the business community and schools has support for the kinds of actions businesses can burgh. Penn., about led to dramatic gains in student achievement. take to make a real difference in children's their classroom project Panelist Rodney Lafon, superintendent of the St. education, including adopting family-friendly to grow seedlings Charles Parish School District in Luling. Louisi- policies such as flextime that allow parents to ana, described how his district's innovative attend school activities. partnership with Union Carbide Corporation is Panelist Randy MacDonald, senior vice presi- also focused on increasing student learnina and dent of Human Resources and Administration for achievement. "The business people bring some- GTE Corporation in Stamford. Connecticut. is a thing very special to the table. They understand member of the national steering committee of what students need to know and be able to do as employers that developed the Employer's Prom- they leave our schools. Businesses are very ise. He noted that businesses have a self-interest results-oriented.I think that has made us change in working to improve education because the our focus in public education." number one concern employees have when Several panelists emphasized the valuable role joining a company is the quality of the local that businesses can play in identifying for schools schools. "It behooves business to get involved the skills that students will need in the workforce. because we want to deploy our best people no "There are basic skills we need regardless of our matter where we need them.- particular industry reading, applied mathemat- At the Town Meeting's close. several Education ics, locating information, and listening." said Department resources were introduced that Connie Spellman. vice president of the Chamber support business-education partnerships. "Em- of Commerce in Omaha, Nebraska. ployers, Families, and Education" outlines Panelist Roaercarole Rogers, director for practical steps that employers can take to become employment development at McDonald's Corpo- involved with schools, and "Building Community ration in Oakbrook. Illinois, discussed her Partnerships- is full of examples of successful company's programs to help students make the school and business collaborations. To order a transition from school to work. McDonald's is the copy of either booklet, or of the Employer's nation's largest employer of youth; 50 percent of Promise, write to the GOALS 2000 Information its employees are students. Resource Center. U.S. Department of Education. In a live satellite uplink from Dallas, Texas. Room 2421, 600 Independence Ave., S.W.. viewers learned of another innovative business- Washington. D.C.. 20202. FM 4 9 U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION POSTAGE AND FEES PAID WASHINGTON D C 20202.-0498 U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OFFICIAL BUSINESS Permit NO G 17 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300

17c1'14 M= . 5rnit1- RRtalSi.tlona Secretars c..7d 5rocuSe UniverSit, NY13244

JCPenney Shares September 29th. linking groups of parents, Management Experience educators, business people, and other community members, who gathered at local JCPenney stores with Communities to learn and discuss how education is changing to prepare children for the jobs of the future. Nationwide Peggy Siegel, Director of the JCPenney Project The JCPenney Company is capitalizing on one at NAB, notes the value of a third party in captur- of its strengths as a business to support ing lessons learned from such partnerships and school improvement nationwide. Working with making them available to others so that the the National Alliance of Business (NAB) for the partners can concentrate on their priority, improv- last five years. JCPenney created an innovative ing education. Adds Cami Alexander, JCPenney business-education partnership focused on site- Corporate Contributions and Education Manager, based management. a hallmark of JCPenney's "Companies should look for what's really unique business operation. about how they run their business and see how In 1991 JCPenney and NAB launched the they can share it to meet education needs." Fig JCPenney High Performance Schools Project, now in its third phase. Phase one provided leadership institutes and competitive mini-grants to support On-Line Service Keeps school-based management in the Fort Worth Independent School District, located near You Informed JCPenney headquarters in North Dallas. Texas. you are invited to join EDInfo, an e-mail Phase two. which began in 1993. offered hands- service from the U.S. Department of Educa- tion that delivers two to three messages a week. Community on assistance to the two largest school districts in Update Is arhI)5:bed Bexar County. Texas the San Antonio and each featuring a publication. initiative, or other by the Orr 5 Northside Independent School Districts to useful information. Past topics have included decentralize. Local store managers participated in preparing your child for college. a guide to two-way job shadowing with school principals. technology resources. strategies for educating JCPenney home office managers briefed district disadvantaged children, and updates on actions in Assistant officials on ways to enhance strategic planning. the U.S. Congress to determine the 1996 educa- Secretary budgeting. communications, and organizational tion budget. Messages are typically three to four 55 ) planning. printed pages and offer suggestions for obtaining Senior Director In phase three. JCPenney and NAB developed a additional information. ..; :1 strategy to share "lessons learned" with a national To take advantage of the EDInfo service. simply Editor audience in ways that will reinforce their own ) Address an e-mail message to: [email protected] .1('1 improvement efforts. The JCPenney Institute on School Improvement was launched this fall. 2) Write this in the message: subscribe EDInfo Designer utilizing JCPenney's in-store satellite network to yourfirstname yourlastname BAim,11;,1 reach communities across the country. The Note: If sonhave a signature block. please turn it Institute had its first satellite teleconferencet.J CM Commuily

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No. 31. December 1995 "Teachers Must Be Partners in School Reform," 1.S. Department of' Education Secretary Riley Says Editor's note: Last month, more than 100 of prepare them for college. As a result, the national the nation' s leading teachers from both public scores in math and science have gone up one full and private schools athered to share their ;trade. And many more high school eraduates are knowledge and ever-use at the thud annual going directly on to college, an increase of 13 GOALS 2000 Teat het Fin um U.S Set retai percent since 1980. Edutanon R1ClUlld Riley spoke to tonjerent e Young people are getting the message about the pat ttelpants Here ate eAceipts pont Ills re- importance of education. But we still have a long mat ks. way to go. Parents have got to reconnect to the learning process, and every element of a commu- f I have one message for you, it is-9simp1) this: improving American education will nity the business, civic, and religious leadership only take place when you stop being objects ot has to be part of a common effort to improve reform and instead education. This is why GOALS 2000 was set up become partners in the way it was, to involve everybody. reform and leaders People often ask me what GOALS 2000 is all in reform. As about why we are so committed to supporting teachers you need you. And the answer I give them is simply this: to tind your public GOALS 2000 is the extra money that schools never voice. You need get to improve themselves in order to reach for to speak out on excellence. GOALS 2000 is the start-up money behalf ot American that allows a school to reach out to the community education. And we so that the entire community can come together for need you at the the good of all of its children. table when people Whether you use these dollars to get computers come together to into the classroom or whether you use it to get decide the future more parents involved, that's yo.ir choice. GOALS of American 2000 is a program that 2ives learning communities education. something they almost never have the opportu- We have a long nity to come together, to think ahead, to be creative way to go before and make those connections that will restore public U.S. Secretary of we can say honestly to the American people that trust to the progress of American education. Education Richard every child in America is getting a quality In 1997 we will have more young people going Riley and Terry Dozier, education of high standards that he or she to our schools than at any time in the history of our the Secretary's special deserves. But at the same time, we need to country 53 million. Demographers call this a advisor on teaching, baby boom echo. We will actually surpass the spoke before the recognize what we have achieved, learn from our GOALS 2000 Teacher mistakes, set our sights high and get on with the record set by some of you baby-boomers back in Forum business of improving American education. 1971. So this is no time to retreat from our commitment and I :171EZ4 rX : _ArmihLid to excellence for all of' our young people mean all of them. If ever there was a time to have Let's f irst recognize the progress we have a great era of American education. it is now. If made. SAT scores are up, and many more ever there was a time to make education a national students are taking the tougher courses that priority for all the young people, it is now. ME 5 December Town Meeting communities are reaching their education goals Will Discuss Helping within the framework of' the Improvint! merica's Schools Act. Because the program will be Disadvantaged Students prerecorded. no phone calls will be taken from tlw satellite audience. Live Satellite Town Excel Meetings will resume next month. eaturine the successful example of how one The Department of Education produces the Fr inner-city school became a thriving center of Satellite Town Meetine series in partnership with learning, the December Satellite Town Meeting the National Alliance of Business and the Center will explore how innovative school-community for Workforce Preparation with support from the partnerships can help disadvantaged students to Bayer Foundation and The Procter and Gamble meet high academic standards. Fund. Entitled "Proven Strategies For Helping Disad- Satellite coordinates are as follows.... vantaged Students: High Standards and High C-Band: Galaxy 4. Orbital Location 99 degrees Expectations.- the hour-long Town Meeting will West: Transponder 5: Horizontal Polarity; air on Tuesday. December 19 at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Channel 5: Downlink Frequency 3800 MHz: Time. The program is closed-captioned and is Audio Subcarriers 6.2 MHz (Spanish) and 6.8 simulcast in Spanish. MHz (English). U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Madeleine Ku-Band. SBS-6. Orbital Location 74 degrees Kunin will host a conversation with school West; Transponder 17: Horizontal Polarity: officials from Sianal Hill Elementary in Long Channel 17: Downlink Frequency 12117 MHz: Beach. California. and local community leaders Audio Subcarriers 6.2 MHz (Spanish) and 6.8 who will share their successful school-wide MHz (English). strategies for helping disadvantaged students To participate in the Satellite Town Meeting. excel. Discussion topics will include how a contact your local Public Broadcasting System challenging academic curriculum and high (PBS) member station. Chamber of Commerce, or expectations for students can set in motion Johnson Controls branch office and ask if your school-wide reform; how parents, teachers, group can use the facility as a downlink site. principals. superintendents, and business and Other possible sites are local schools. public community leaders contribute to helping all libraries. community colleges. cable television students learn: and how effective communication stations, universities and technical schools. can help keep everyone in the school community government offices. hospitals. businesses, hotels, moving forward on the same mission. or even private residences with satellite dishes. special \ The December Town Meeting Call 1-800-USA-LEARN for further information will he taped at a national conference on how or to register your participation. Ea

schools and businesses across the country arc recognizing the importance of helping students obtain the skills they will need when they make the transi- tion into the workforce. A new resource developed by the National Alliance of Business assists with these efforts, outlining the steps to creating a successful Resource school-to-work program. The Foundations For Life training program explains why so many businesses Offers have become involved in the school-to-work issue and offers guidance based on Guidance the proven results of model community efforts. Topics covered include how to gain support for your plan, build interest and enthusiasm. secure outside in resources, implement student work arrangements, and measure the success of your program. Foundations For Lif e includes a training manual and a resource kit. The School- National Alliance of Business can customize the training program to meet the unique needs of your organization or community. To request a free brochure to-Work describing, Foundations For Life in more detail, or to arrange for a customized training program. contact the National Alliance of Business at 1-800-787-2848. Programs Note: The Foundations For Life program will hc available for distribution in January.gili 52 Family Involvement Partnership for Learning

Communities Nationwide Report on Back-to-School Events y n communities across the country during the 1 early weeks of the current school year, family members and other individuals rallied around their local schools in a year-long commitment to get involved with children's learning. Secretary Riley kicked off the nationwide back- to- school effort with the launch of a special initiative. .4merica Goes Back to School: A Place for Families and the Community. We invited our readers to tell us about their back-to-school experiences this fall. Here is a sample: Flandreau, South Dakota: "America Goes Back to School" events took place during Native Dr. Agnes Ross American Week, October 2-6, at Flandreau's Ms. Hecker circulated among participants. Ms. makes a presentation Hecker reports that as a thirty- year veteran of to students at Spafford Spafford Elementary School.Native American Elementary School in culture was featured, including food. music and public education, she was delighted at the over- Flandreau, Souti. Dakota language presentations. Tribal elders and whelming turnout for the school's Family Math Dakota. Ross. a family members visited classes and discussed program. grandmother to children in the school, customs, values, and ceremonial activities with the North Brunswick, New Jersey: Andrew was chosen as South students. Spafford Elementary principal Trudie Frank, a 1983 graduate of North Brunswick Dakota's first State Myers worked with the school's curriculum Township High School. returned to his alma Teacher of the Year in coordinator on the program along with parent mater to relate to students an exciting meeting hc 1959. Janet Claymore Ross and local community and had with presidential hopeful Bill Clinton in tribal leaders. The program was publicized widely 1991. While visiting with students in the social in local newspapers. studies class of his former teacher, Mr. Frank Columbia, South Carolina: At Summit Park- emphasized how he learned the importance of way Middle School in early October. more than working hard toward personal goals. Mr. Frank three hundred families braved a heavy rain to considered America Goes Back to School to be a attend the opening session of Family Math Niv.ht. good way to acknowledge his former teachers for According to principal Jo Hecker. the Family Math all they had done to help him get a good start in program seeks to actively involve parents in the life. He is currently the manning director of the instructional program at the school and also New York Foreign Press Center, where he deals suggests enrichment activities at home. Family with more than 1.000 foreign journalists from members worked together on problem-solving as over 80 countries. re Education Department National Education Grant Supports High- Organizations Support Quality '1.V. Programs Family Involvement in he Corporation for Public Broadcasting has Children's Learning Treceived a $7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to develop T.V. pro- mong the key supporters of the Family gramming designed to help prepare young Involvement Partnership for Learning have children across America to be ready to learn at been the national organizations that represent the school, including those for whom English is a stakeholders in our schools: superintendents, second language. The grant is being distributed principals, teachers, students, parents, school through the National Institute on Early Childhood boards and others that work diligently to support Development and Education. which is part of the children's learning. In their programs, activities, Office of Educational Research and Improve- and publications. these organizations have worked ment. hard to emphasize the central role that families The first National Education Goal states: All play in helping children learn to their fullpoten- children in America will start school ready to tial. We invited our education partners to tellus learn. The new ready-to-learn television pro- about some of the family involvementresources gramming will help preschool and early-school they offer. Unless otherwise indicated, informa- children and their families and care givers to tion about costs for materials or shippingcan be move toward realization of this goal. obtained directly from each organization. The Department of Education grant will support National Association of Elementary School the creation of new family and children's pro- Principals gramming of high quality which will be inter- spersed with educational message breaks. The The Apple of Your Eye: Helping Your Grand- programming, available to all families through children Succeed in School(A 15-minute the universal access of public television, will videotape and 16-page brochure) Tips and ideas focus on the cognitive and social development of for grandparents to enhance children's learning. children from diverse social, cultural, and geo- The Little Things That Make a Big Difference: graphical backgrounds. How to Help Your Child Succeed in School This ready-to-learn series will be reinforced by (16-minute videotape and 18-page brochure) educational materials written in both English and The video features interviews with children Spanish. along with community outreach work- who discuss what their parents are doingto help shops for children, parents, and care givers. In them in school. addition. free books will be distributed each Little Beginnings: How to Start Your Child on month to children and their families at Public a Lifetime of Learning(For new parents. Broadcasting television stations around the Videotape and brochure) Activities and sound country. advice for parents on raising confident children The Educational Publishing Group. a leader in who will be ready for school. providing informational resources for parent involvement in children's education and a mem- Nmi% We're Talking: Keeping in Touch with ber of the Family Involvement Partnership. will Your Child's SchoolI8-page brochure) Tips produce the bilingual, bimonthly publication to for how to get involved in your child's school. complement the ready-to-learn series. The Call NAESP at 1-800-386-2377 and ask newsletter, entitled PTVFamilies,will he distrib- for a free catalogue of educational products. uted to over 44 stations and on the Internet National Association of Secondary School beginning in January 1996. Total circulation of Principals PTV Familieswill exceed 5 million. FA Publications with article.s on family involve- Welcome New Partners! ment in children's learning: The Family Involvement Partnership for The High School Ma fza:ine.March, 1995. Learning welcomes its newest members: Sclunds in the Middle.November, 1994. Children's Defense Fund NASSP Bulletin,April. 1992. The Chicago Academy of Sciences Call NASSP Publications Sales. 703- Consortium for Educational Equity, 860-0200. ria Rutgers University, New Jersey Holy Family Catholic School, Lafayette, Louisiana 5 4 broader community play important roles in Teachers Know Best Their supporting teachers' professional development. Career Growth Needs, "In Alabama we're having to take a grass-roots approach to professional development." said Anne Town Meeting Audience Jolly, the 1994 Alabama Teacher of the Year from Mobile, who also serves as executive director of Learns the Alabama State Teacher Forum. "Teachers are participants in November's Satellite Town taking the initiative for professional development Meeting agreed that just as we expect doctors. and then finding support from businesses and lawyers. and other professionals to spend time community-based organizations. It's a new hope each year upgrading their skills, we must have for places where you're a little short on funds." similar hieh expectations of the people to whom Cathy Gassenheimer. a parent from Montgom- we entrust our children's learning. The active ery. Alabama. supports Anne Jolly's efforts in involvement of teachers in determining their professional development through her work as Teachers are career growth needs was identified as a key Managing Director of the A+ Research Founda- beginning to ingredient for success in professional development tion. "When you have a practicing classroom programs. teacher that's thinking about what teachers need in appreciate the The Town Meeting opened with a message that terms of professional development. I think you skills that their U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley deliv- can better meet the needs of teachers and design colleagues ered to the 1995 GOALS 2000 Teacher Forum in an engaging course of study in which teachers will Washington. D.C.. which also focused on profes- want to participate." Gassenheimer said. have. sional development. (See story p.1) Secretary Deputy Secretary Kunin noted that when Riley recognized the critical role that teachers businesses undergo major change. they commit play in school reform and encouraged teachers to substantial resources to training, a tendency that exercise leadership towards that goal. until now has not been shared by school districts. Deputy Secretary Kunin interviewed guest The hope expressed in the November Town panelists in their home states of Alabama and Meeting is that school districts will invest in Kentucky via satellite. Award-winning teachers professional development as a way of ensuring the were joined by community partners that support success of overall school reform. EA their professional development initiatives. Panelists offered practical advice for how to plan successful professional development. "Many times the very best professional develop- Resources Support ment is taking the time for real sharing of our experiences. Sitting down as a group with an Educators' Leadership in experienced facilitator, we learn from each other," School Reform said Pat Murray. who works with the Regional Service Center at the Kentucky Department of A Teacher's Guide to the U.S. Department of Education. "Teachers are beginning to appreciate Education. the skills that their colleagues have." The newly updated forth edition of this guide Earl Hughes. the 1994 Kentucky Teacher of the provides information about Department pro- Year from Union, Kentucky, suggested the kinds grams and resources that can help schools and of activities that work well in professional devel- communities achieve their education goals. A opment sessions. As a Kentucky Distinguished companion booklet,An Administrator' s Guide Educator. he travels the state conducting staff to the U.S. Department qf Education.follows development programs designed to promote the same format. Both guides contain a new excellence in teaching and learning. "We do a lot section on federal resources that support bring- with small group collaborative settings and ing technoloey into the schools. roundtable discussions what I call 'teacher Teacher Information Packet. networking' as opposed to professional develop- Building Bridgesdefines the mission and ment." Hughes said. "Teachers are talking to principles of high-quality professional develop- teachers and sharing the kinds of strategies that ment, which plays an essential role in education they're using in their classrooms." reform. Keeping professional development focused on Breaking the Tyranny of Timefocuses on time classroom needs is a successful strategy, accord- as the most critical resource for the success of ing to panelists. "The closer we can bring profes- school reform. sional development to the classroom, the more Honor What We Know. Listen to What We Say effective it will be," said Lindell Dillard, the covers teachers' role in contributing to educa- Director of Professional Development for the tion policy and working with the broader Mobile County Public Schools in Alabama. community. Another point of consensus in the Town Meet- To order the above publications, call 1-800- ing was that parents, business leaders, and the USA-LEARN. pg 5 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION POSTAGE.AND FEES PAID WASHINGTON. D.C. 20202--0498 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OFFICIAL BUSINESS Permit NO. 017 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300 .L7;7

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Budget Investing in America's Students and the Future: Debate Will Major Education Programs Impact 1996-1997 Federal Education Budget in Thousands of Dollars President Education Clinton's House Senate Funding for Request Committee the Next 7 Years $750,000 $ --:- 0 $ 310.000

. Editor' s Note: As 7,000,000 5,555,000 6.019.398 President Clinton and Congress work toward .eitifigibriOlieffk -4.,, 'tithoolffieleitWil.,..:r.-*: 500.000 200,000 200.000 a plan to balance the federal budget, the guklelines agreed upon Classioains: Education 112,150 25,000 57.475 could set the limits on Technology Programs liinding available to HelOyoUth Move from-A your schools fin- the school hicasotot,4v... 'NM 000 95,000 122.500 next 7 years. The chart JaYllit afft40:104S- Community compares the funding Update Talented Ede:oath:0i : 9.52 I 3,000 3.000 by Itv)". priorities for key federal education A;itiairiiiiidrW ,,,, Children:IDEA Stat.' anci 2,772,460 2,684,246 2.684.246 Ait,, programs in the budgets proposed by itkigfr '',i-V,U.':--. Assistant the President, the U.S. Help Students Go To 6.601,503 5,697,000 5400.000' Secretary House of Representa- Collegel Pell Grants 1,14 r1 " tives, and the U.S. Locally Tailored School Senior Director Senate Appropriations Settings,: Cherterf3 . . 20.000 6,000 10,000 Schools !;.fir::,-1,".-. - -i y )i.ilv lii Committee for the Edam /996-97 school year 1. An identical amount is included in the budget for the Department of Labor.

. the first year Qf tlw 7- 2.This amount reflects only new appropriations. The Senate bill would also allow use of D6sirynor year budget plan. $680 million in surplus Pell Grant funds from previous award years. $400 million mOre Please watch this space than under the House bill. Because the Senate would not increase the minimum Pell Pr frillier updates. Grant as the House woyld 266.000 more students would receive awards under the Senate bill. 6 , / ENIIIIIII INNI/111All Imil

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No. 32, Jan/Feb 1996 Leading Employers Team Up To PromoteFamily U.S. Department of Education Involvement in Education John Lewis, President of Paragon Furniture. Senior eading employers joined U.S. Secretary of management representatives from John Hancock LEducation Richard Riley for a press confer- Financial Services, Hewlett-Packard, American ence last December to launch a national effort to College Testing, and United Airlines were also in encourage businesses to get involved in attendance. children's learning. At Marriott International Terry Ehrich elaborated on the theme of why headquarters in Bethesda, Md., the leaders family-friendly policies make good business sense: announced "The Employer's Promise for Learn- "Once we've invested the time and money in ing," a pledge that commits companies to family- finding, hiring and training good people, we want friendly practices and partnerships that support them to stay on the job. The accountable costs and the family's central role in children's learning. the hidden costs of staff turnover can be very high. The Employer's Promise was developed by a Family-friendly policies and benefits give us an committee of important advantage in recruiting and training one employers to be of the finest workforces in our area." used as a recruit- .Charles Lee emphasized why businesses have an ing tool; each interest in making sure their employees are well- participating educated: "In the evolution of our competitive business that signs marketplace, the distinguishing factor is going to be on to the pledge our workers. As the world continues to evolve, finds its own way there will clearly be a requirement for more learn- to achieve the goal ing, more education, more skills, and more train- of promoting ing." family involve- The spirit of active involvment in education was ment in education. summed up by Cliff Erlich of Marriott Interna- "In this effort, tional: "The future is not something you walk into; good citizenship it's something you create." and good business Other companies that have signed on to the sense converge," Employer's Promise include Southern California U.S. Secretary of Secretary Riley said. "These business leaders Edison, Motorola, Walt Disney World Co., and Education Richard understand that being family-friendly is not just Turner Educational Services. For more information Riley was joined by the right thing to do but the smart thing to do. It about the Employer's Promise for Learning and leading employers to launch a national effort is one of the best investments an employer can other ways the Education Department helps fami- to encourage busi- make in the future." lies get involved in children's learning, call 1-800- nesses to get involved Employers who participated in the event USA-LEARN.Eili in children's learning. included Cliff Erlich, Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Marriott International; Charles Lee, Chairman and CEO of GTE Corpo- Due to the three-week government shutdown, ration. Allan Huston President and CEO of the January issue of Community Update has Special,Inserton Family Involvement (See inside)" been combined with February's in this single edition. The January Satellite Town Meeting Pizza Hut Corporation; the Honorable Togo D. was also canceled. The regular schedule for West, Jr., Secretary of the Army; Terry Ehrich, CEO of Hemmings Motor News; Daniel 57 Community Update and the Satellite Town Spalding, President of School Specialty; and Meetings resumes this month. February Meeting Secretary Riley Will Looks at the Role ofAddress the State of Community American Education Colleges and Local Chambers S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley will deliver his third annual "State of in School Reform American Education" address on Wednesday, The February Satellite Town Meeting will February 28, at noon Central Time. The event discuss how school improvement coalitions will take place at Maplewood-Richmond Heights across the country are drawing from the resources Senior High School in Maplewood. Mo., but the and expertise of community colleges and cham- Secretary's speech will also be broadcast live via bers of commerce to build successful partnerships satellite. Events are being coordinated to coincide in education reform. with the State of American Education address at Entitled "Community Colleges, Businesses, and downlink sites in 20 cities across the United Local Chambers: Key Partners in School Im- States: Providence, R.I.; Springfield, Mass.; provement," the hour-long Town Meeting will air Hartford, Conn.; Albany, N.Y.; Trenton, N.J.; on Tuesday, February 20 at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Philadelphia, Pa.; Annapolis, Md.: Centersville, Time. The program is closed-captioned and is Ga.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Baton Rou2e. La.; Des simulcast in Spanish. Moines, Iowa; Detroit, Mich.: Madison, Wis.: U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley and Minneapolis. Minn.; Dayton, Ohio; Pueblo, Colo.; Deputy Secretary Madeleine Kunin will host a Carson City, Nev.; Spokane, Wash.: Portland, conversation with a panel of guests who will Ore.; and Sacramento, Calif. To obtain satellite describe how community colleges and chambers coordinates for the speech or more information are helping to link schools with the worlds of about attending a local event in your area, callI - business and higher education, as well as the 800-USA-LEARN. larger community. Featured will be examples of how school districts are partnering with commu- nity colleges and chambers on such issues as Resource school-to-work transition, preparation for Offers "50 postsecondary education, and family involvement in learning. Simple The Department of Education produces the Satellite Town Meeting series in partnership with Things" to the National Alliance of Business and the Center for Workforce Preparation with support from the Improve Bayer Foundation. The Procter and Gamble Fund, Education and SC Johnson Wax. The positive spirit of school improvement is Satellite coordinates are as follows.... ( -Band: Galaxy 4, OrbitalLocation 99 degrees captured in Moving America to the Head of West: Transponder 5; Horizontal Polarity; Chan- the Class: 50 Simple Things You Can Do. Serving nel 5; Downlink Frequency 3800 MHz: Audio as a motivating tool for parents, employers, school Subcarriers 6.2 MHz (Spanish) and 6.8 MHz officials, and other concerned citizens, the re- (English). source suggests specific actions that will help Ku-Band: SBS-5,Orbital Location 123 students reach educational excellence. The degrees West; Transponder I 0; Horizontal booklet also features an attractive and easy-to- Polarity; Channel 10; Downlink Frequency 12166 read layout with color photographs. MHz; Audio Subcarriers 6.2 MHz (Spanish) and 50 Simple Things You Can Do was publishedas 6.8 MHz (English). part of the "Keep the Promise" campaign, sup- To participate in the Satellite Town Meeting, ported by the U.S. Department of Education, the contact your local Public Broadcasting System Business Roundtable. the National Governors' (PBS) member station, chamber of commerce, or Association, the American Federation of Teach- Johnson Controls branch office and ask if your ers, and the National Alliance of Business. The group can use the facility as a downlink site. "Keep the Promise" message encourages all Other possible sites are local schools, public Americans to get involved in improving educa- libraries, community colleges. cable television tion. The message is delivered as public service stations, universities and technical schools, advertising via television, radio, and the print government offices, hospitals, businesses, hotels, media. or even private residences with satellite dishes. To obtain a copy of MovMg Anterh.a to the Call 1-800-USA-LEARN for further information Head qf the Class: 50 Simple Things You Can Do. or to register your participation. call 1-800-96-PROMISE. ra 3 S Family ..cmciaignsettairOmikkenvatvegnen Involvement Partnership for Learning ..,

(from left to right) Eileen Sweeney from United Airlines: Terry Ehrich, CEO of Hemmings Motor News; and Daniel Spalding, President of School Specialty, were among the employer representatives who signed the Employer's Promise at the kickoff event on December 11. Employers Pledge To Support Family Involvement

Editor's Note: The following employers are among the many who have signed on to the Employer's Promise, a voluntary pledge which commits businesses and organizations to family-friendly policies and partnerships that support the family's central role in cl-;:dren' s learning. The list of participating employers continues to grow. For a copy of the Employer's Promise or more information on how to sign on, call I -800-USA-LEARN. American College Testing National Center for Health Education Arnel Managiment P Tool & Mfg., We. Aspen Systems Corporation P.,I, gon Furniture, Inc. Diamond Sign Company Pizza Hut GTE Ridgeview, Inc. Gardner's Supply Company School Specialty Hemmings Motor News Spruce Mountain Design Hewlett-Packard TBSC Learning Systems, Inc. Home Box Office Tom's of Maine Hospital of Saint Raphael Turner Educational Services John Hancock United Airlines Johnson & Johnson United Service, Automobile Association MacLean Fogg Company (U.S.A.A.) Marketing Partners, Inc. U.S. Army Marriott International 5 Walt Disney World Co. Merritt & Merritt Wells Fargo & Co.ria Believe in the Potential of foundation of Signal Hill's reform effort. "We didn't want to focus on a child's deficits. We Disadvantaged Students, decided to focus on a student's strengths. We adopted the philosophy that if a child is failing, Town Meeting Participants you examine your own teaching." Urge Involving parents and the broader community has also contributed to Signal Hill's success. he December Town Meeting was held as part Parent Dina Andrews noted the differences she Tof the U.S. Department of Education's second has observed before and after Signal Hill em- annual Improving America's Schools Conference barked on comprehensive reform. She described in Washington, D.C. Nearly 3,000 participants the welcoming atmosphere for parents on Back- from communities across the country gathered to to-School night and the effort the school makes to discuss their progress in securing educational provide simultaneous translation at meetings for excellence and equity for all students. parents whose primary language is not English. Strategies to help disadvantaged students excel She also related how teachers have taken the time in learning were explored during the discussion. to explain what she can do at home to support her The program underscored that even schools with a child's learning in the classroom. Program high proportion of disadvantaged students can Facilitator Claudia Kreis described how parents succeed with a commitment to help all children were actively involved in drafting the school's learn and proper support from families and the plan for reform. community. Business partner Joan Anderson of Price Costco Town Meeting panelists were part of the Signal told how Signal Hill's clear mission attracted her Hill school community in Long Beach, California, company to get involved in the reform program. a success story in school-wide change. Signal Hill "It was very exciting for us to be approached by a Elementary School is one of more than 4,500 school that had a vision and had a concrete set of schools across the country that have initiated goals to accomplish with their students." Price school-wide projects, taking advantage of a recent Costco's efforts to support Signal Hill have change in federal law to combine their federal, included donating 900 backpacks filled with state, and local resources to assist their disadvan- school supplies and providing homework kits as taged student populations. In this way funds can incentives for parents to attend school meetings. be used to achieve school-wide change rather than Deputy Secretary Madeleine Kunin noted that making piecemeal efforts to support individual Signal Hill's experience poses a challenge to students. other communities across the country in how to Chris Steinhauser, the former principal at Signal take success beyond the model program. "We Hill who is now District Director of Special have to make success not extraordinary, but Projects, summed up the philosophy that trans- ordinary," she said.Ezi formed a struggling inner-city school into a thriving center of learning. "We decided that in order for us to achieve what we wanted, which was A r ts in Educon Update the best for our children, we were going to have to radically change the entire school program. We During March, schools across the country will couldn't do it one piece at a time." be participating in "Arts in Education Month" with a variety of activities: The Music Educators Signal Hill is now a magnet school in math and National Conference will be sponsoring "Music in science that attracts students from across the Long Our Schools Month," which always includes the Beach school district. Current principal Nancy fun sing-along "World's Largest Concert." Call Nakagawa shared how flexibility in using re- 1-800-336-3768 for information. To celebrate the sources helps the school achieve its goals. Until visual arts, a booklet of ideas for "Youth Art recently each teacher in grades 1 through 5 had the Month" is available by writing to Laurie Doyle, assistance of a paid specialist. Signal Hill staff Council for Art Education, Inc., 100 Boylston St., met and decided that concentrating more resources Suite 1050, Boston, Mass.. 02116. (Or call 617- in the early grades would make a greater impact on 426-6400). Information about "Theatre in Our student achievement. A number of teachers Schools Month" is available c/o the American sacrificed their time with a specialist so that funds Association of Theatre Educators (AATE), could be targeted toward helping children in Department of Theatre, Arizona State University, kindergarten, first and second grades, preparing Box 873411, Tempe, Ariz., 85287-3411. The students for success in later years. phone number is (602) 965-6064, and the fax is Panelist Bobbi Lucas exemplified the dedicated (602) 965-5351. National Dance Week is cel- teaching staff at Signal Hill. She shared how the ebrated April 28-May 4. For more information, core belief that all students can learn has been the call Marianne Prinkey at 1-800-244-2244. ria Employers Share Family-National Engineers Week Friendly Practices Helps Families Learn Editor's Note: In December business leaders Together from across the country joined U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley in kicking off a na- During National Engineers Week, from tional campaign JO,- family-friendly policies in February 18-24, more than 35,000 engineers the workplace. (See story p. I ) Participating from across the country will volunteer their time to present hands-on learning activities for employers shared some of their own success.lid children and families. They will demonstrate programs and practices that encourage JUmily real-world applications of math, science and involvement in education. Ilere's a sample: engineering, giving families opportunities to Marriott's Parent Resource Center and participate and have fun. Some programs at parenting information series provides em- local schools, science centers, and public librar- ployees with expert information on ies will continue through March. Founded in parenting, child care and work/family issues: 1951 by the National Society of Professional GTE Corporation's "College Planning Engineers (NSPE), National Engineers Week is Seminar for Employees and their Families- is supported by businesses, colleges, and govern- a day-long interactive seminar transmitted ment organizations. To learn about programs in via satellite that links college admissions and your area or to request a volunteer, contact local financial planning experts with GTE em- engineering colleges and businesses or National ployee families to help them plan for their Engineers Week Headquarters at 1420 King children's college education: Street. Alexandria, Va.. 22314. The e-mail address is [email protected]. For further infor- Pizza Hut's "Kids Hall of Fame- program mation, consult NSPE's home page at http:Ii rewards children ages 8-14, who make a www.sme.org and select "Engineers Week.-ra difference in their family andommunity with post-secondary scholarships; the U.S. Army's partnership between Fort The National Education Goals in Brief Hood's First Cavalry Division and the By the year 2000: Killeen, Texas Independent School District incorporates parent/teacher conferences as All Children Ready to Learn part of military duty for all soldiers with children; 90 percent Graduation Rate Hemming's Motor News' "Education Participation Days.- allow all employees All Children Competent in Core not just parents two days off with pay to Subjects attend classes with children in local schools; First in the World in Math and Science School Specialty's matching funds program matches up to $1,000 donated by an em- Every Adult Literate and Able to ployee to any public or private K-12 school: Compete in the Work Force John Hancock sponsors educational activi- ties for children during school vacations and Safe, Disciplined, Drug-Free Schools holidays; Professional Development for Educators Hewlett-Packard's flexible work hours allow employees to stagger their start time to Increased Parental Involvement in accommodate their children's schedules and volunteer at the corporation's on-site elemen- Learning tary school: American College Testing's "Realize the Welcome New Panne's! Dream- program provides a workshop and The national Family Involvern0 Partner- resources to involve parents in their teenag- ship for Learning welcomes its neWest ers' educational and career planning; and members: Paragon Furniture's incentive program Quiniton Township School, New Jersey rewards students who achieve high grades. or Harriet TubmanSusan B. Anthony improve their grades, for each report card Self-Help Center, Illinois period. ps Dr. Helen Baldwin Middle School ,Con- necticut 6 1 U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION POSTAGE AND FEES PAID WASHINGTON, D C 20202-0498 U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OFFICIAL BUSINESS Permit NO 0 17 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300 tAG 'Or-2'17;12--7.7v-FIRST CLASS

Issue No.32

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Differences in Congress Put Key Areas of Education in Jeopardy s negotiations take place over balancing the resolution and the House-passed bill. federal budget within 7 years, President The President's budget also expands assistance Clinton seeks to protect the nation's investment in to local communities to raise students' stan- education in key areas. These areas are financed dards of achievement and discipline. Congress with significant federal funding: student financial would severely limit or terminate this help by aid for college, start-up money for schools to raise eliminating funds for Goals 2000 in the House- academic standards, programs to strengthen passed bill and cutting 25 percent from last teaching the basics, career preparation, bringing year's level in the current continuing resolution. computers into classrooms, and safe and drug-free Over 17.000 schools and up to 9 million schools. children could lose school excellence grants. Without a budget agreement, substantiP1 educa- Improved Discipline and Safe and Drug-Free tion funding is in jeopardy if the Congress contin- Schools ues its present course of action. President Clinton The President's budget invests in schools that has appealed to the leadership in Congress to are attacking violence and drugs through the continue to fund the education and other govern- Safe and Drug-Free Schools program, the ment functions while negotiations to balance the source of all funding for this purpose for many federal budget are under way. schools. Congress would cut these funds by 25 As this edition went to press. the Congressional percent in the continuing resolution and 60 leadership has agreed to fund education programs percent in the House-passed bill, potentially Community only through March 15, 1996, through a continu- curtailing services for 39 million students in 97 Updato ing resolution. If the Congressional leadership percent of the school districts. were to extend the current continuing resolution Getting Computers into Classrooms If funding levels for the remainder of the year, the largest cut in education funding in the nation's The President's budget invests in getting the best computer technology into American history would occur, amounting to $3.1 billion. A ss/Q. ioI schools to strengthen teaching of both the core The following comparison of a sample of SecuLIf V academics and cqmputer skills. Congress education programs notes the differences between would cut these funds from the President's the President's balanced budget plan, the current SO11101 011C( (01 requested level by $64 million under the current continuing resolution and the House-passed bill: continuing resolution and $58 million under the ,A.)! Better Basics and Higher Standards House-passed bill. Editc)1 The President's budget invests in tutoring more Giving Students Work-Study Experience children in reading and math by providing a The President's requested budget to help modest increase for Title 1. Congress would DeNiclocr students make the transition from school to the eliminate 1 million children from Title I by workplace would be cut in half in the continu- cutting over $1 billion in both the continuing ing resolution and the House-passed bill.El a) A -- 11111114111 0 iNN II& II& I1 1 All AI&

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No. 33, March 1996 U.S. Department of Secretary Riley Defines Education Challenges, Urges Education Americans to Come Together Editor's note: U.S. Secretary of Education as the very cornerstone of our nation's economic Richard Riley delivered his third annual State of and democratic future. American Education Address on February 28 at President Clinton challenged us in his recent Maplewood-Richmond Heights High School in State of the Union address to move America Maplewood, Missouri. The following are forward. One of the centerpieces of his challenge excerpts from his remarks: was improving and investing in education. And our American education must reach for a new challenges are many. level of excellence, for the most basic of rea- Our very first challenge is to get America reading sons: our very again. Our national math and science scores are up prosperity as a because we have invested more than ten years of nation and hard work in that effort. This is a great success the economic story for American education, and it tells me that security of each we know how to get results. and every In our new complex economic environment, 89 American percent of the jobs that are now being created family require much higher levels of literacy and math. depends on it. To my way of thinking, improving America's Today, in literacy rate is just as important to this nation's many ways, we future economic growth as balancing the budget. face the same I urge every family to follow the first rule of challenges that education and read to their children. If all parents confronted the in America made it their patriotic duty to find an pioneers who extra thirty minutes every day to help their children left Saint Louis learn more, it would revolutionize American education. U.S. Secretary of and headed West across the frontier. For we are Education Richard crossing our own frontier defined by new Our second challenge is to give parents the power Riley (left) is joined by knowledge, a new economic landscape, new to help their children learn. Strong families make Jerry Eliot (right), ways of communicating. We need to remember strong schools. When parents get involved in their superintendent of the that the pioneers who crossed the Mississippi set children's education, good things start to happen. Maplewood-Richmond I urge parents to have a fierce commitment to the Heights school district out as a community, bound together with a in Missouri, where the common goal. They came together for the education of their children. Volunteer in school Secreta:v delivered common good. And that is a lesson we must and stay connected to your children. Slow down his speech on heed as well in 1996. your lives. Talk to your children. Teach them the February 28. For there is a growing debate in America about difference between right and wrong. how we educate our children. On one side are Our third great challenge is to keep our schools those who believe we can prepare for the future safe, orderly and disciplined. That is a basic rule. by cutting education today, who see little value No teacher should ever fear to walk into a class- room. And no child should ever stay home from school because he or she is afraid. in public education. On the other side of this For four years in a row, drug use has gone up debate are those who are willing to roll up their among 8th graders. This is a nationwide trend. sleeves and invest in our children, who see the arents need to help their children develop some rebuilding and the expansion of public education continued on pg. 6 March Town READ*WRITE*NOW! Meeting Will LookSummer Program Begins At Charter Schoolsin April The March Satellite Town Meeting will nil he second annual READ*WRITE*NOW! discuss the growing interest across the national summer reading program will kick country to create new kinds of public schools that off on April 15. The program encourages stu- offer flexibility in design and curriculum, respond dents to read daily, set goals for completing to the needs of students and families, and chal- books, and practice skills with an adult. Reading lenge students to high academic standards. and writing activities, incentives to reward Entitled "Charter Schools," the program will success, and resources to support reading tutors explore these innovative public schools under are provided. For more information about contract, or charter, with a public agency to participating in READ*WRITE*NOW!, call I- groups of parents, teachers, or others who want to 800-USA-LEARN. create more alternatives and choices within the public school system. The hour-long Town Meeting will air on Tuesday, March 19 at 8:30 Resources Support p.m. Eastern Time. The program is closed- captioned and is simulcast in Spanish. Service-Learning U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley and Programs Deputy Secretary Madeleine Kunin will host a Editor's note: The following publications and conversation with a panel of community leaders services can help you create an effective service- and educators froni around the nation who have learning program that reinforces student leader- helped develop new schools with creative ap- ship, decision making, and responsibility. proaches to teaching, learning, and decision Standards of Quality for School-Based and making. Discussion topics will include how Community-Based Service Learning. This charter schools are created, how charter schools booklet describes the opportunities for schools are held accountable for reaching their goals, and and community agencies to work together how states and communities are adopting new toward common goals in service learning. laws to promote charter schools. To request a free copy, write to: Donna Power, The Department of Education produces the Alliance for Service Learning in Education Satellite Town Meeting series in partnership with Reform, Close Up Foundation, 44 Canal the National Alliance of Business and the Center Center Plaza, Alexandria, Va., 22314. for Workforce Preparation with support from the Active Citizenship Today Handbook (for Bayer Foundation, The Procter and Gamble Fund, high school teachers) and Active Citizenship Microsoft, Inc., and SC Johnson Wax. Today Field Guide (for students). The Satellite coordinates are as follows.... teacher's handbook outlines a curriculum for a Telstar 402, Orbital Location 89 school-based service-learning program and degrees West; Transponder 13: Vertical Polarity: includesit!titiOrlplans. The field guide for Channel 13; Downlink Frequency 3960 MHz: students involves students in selecting the Audio Subcarriers 6.2 MHz (Spanish) and 6.8 concern they are most interested in addressing MHz cEnglish). in their communities, researching the problem, SBS-6, Orbital Location 74 degrees and developing a plan of action to solve the West: Transponder 17; Horizontal Polarity; problem. To purchase these materials, con- Channel 17; Downlink Frequency 12120.0 MHz: tact: The Close Up Foundation ( address Audio Subcarriers 6.2 MHz (Spanish) and 6.8 above). MHz (English). The Constitutional Rights Foundation. To participate in the Satellite Town Meeting, Materials are available at a low cost to help Contact your local Public Broadcasting System you get a service-learning program started. (PBS) member station, Chamber of Commerce, or Contact: The Constitutional Rights Founda- Johnson Controls branch office and ask if your tion, 601 South Kingsley Drive, Los Angeles, group can use the facility as a downlink site. Calif., 90005. OM. Other possible sites are local schools, public The National Service-Learning Clearing- libraries, community colleges, cable television house. This valuable resource center offers stations, universities and technical schools, technical assistance to support service- government offices, hospitals, businesses, hotels, learning programs. Contact: The National or even private residences with satellite dishes. Service-Learning Clearinghouse, The Voca- Call 1-800-USA-LEARN for further information tional and Technical Education Building, 1954 or to register your participation. El Buford Ave., R-290, St. Paul, Minn., 55108. The toll-free line is 1-800-808-SERV.

41111111=11111111111 Family :1 1: .7- Involvement Partnership for Learning

Resource Answers National Conference Will Questions on Religion in Explore Time Crunch Public Schools Facing Families AParent's Guide to Religion in the Public The Family Involvement Partnership for Schools has been issued by the National Congress Learning is cosponsoring a national confer- of Parents and Teachers and the Freedom Forum ence with Teachers College at Columbia Univer- First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University. sity, Working Mothr magazine, and the U.S. This guide presents questions and answers "to help Department of Education that will discuss how to parents understand the religious liberty rights of encourage family involvement in learning and students and the appropriate role for religion in the how to support families as they face challenges public school curriculum." To request a copy, such as a lack of time to get involved in their .write The Freedom Forum First Amendment children's education. Entitled "A New Under- Center, 1207 18th Avenue, South, Nashville, standing of Parent Involvement: Family-Work- Tenn., 37212. Or E-mail:http:11www.fac.org School," the conference will be held April 12-13 You must include your mailing address. ro at Teachers College in New York City. U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Madeleine Principals Answer Your Kunin and Arthur Levine, President of Teachers Questions on Toll-Free Colleee, will participate in the conference along with teachers, parents, researchers, students, Hotline employers, early childhood specialists, and For the seventh consecutive year, the National community and religious leaders. Discussions Association of Elementary School Principals will focus On sharing best practices for promoting (NAESP) will operate a toll-free hotline service to family involvement. and 15 schools, community support family involvement in schools. The hotline organizations, and parent groups will receive will operate during NAESP's 75th annual conven- awards for their innovative partnerships that tion, from 2 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday, March support parent involvement in children's learning. 24 through 2 p.m. Eastern time Tuesday, March To request a registration form, contact the 26. Parents, teachers, students, and other interestedOffice of Continuing Professional Education, individuals can call 1-800-944-1601 to discuss Teachers College, Columbia University. The issues such as school discipline policies, testing, phone number is (212) 678-3987, and the fax is parent-child communication, and more.CD (212) 678-4048. EM Welcome, New Partners! The national Family Involvement Partnership .The Goals 2000 Parent Centers (see listing p.4) for Learning has over 250 members and contin- 'Parent Resource Publishing, Inc. ues to grow. We welcome our newest partners: 'Practical Parenting Partnerships 'Title I Parent Counseling and Resource Center Parent Resource Centers Are Open in 28 States amilies in 28 states from Maine to California will have the opportunity to seek support from parent Finformation and resource centers that have opened after receiving grants as part of the Goals 2000: Educate America Act. These parent centers respond to local conditions with their own priorities and activities, but they share a common objective to help families get involved in their children's learning. A list of the centers is provided below with a contact name to find out the specific services offered, including parent-to-parent training activities, hotlines, mobile training teams, resource and lending libraries, support groups. and referral networks. Each center V.V.777r7171-7.: -41191177:77rr.7117:777.- '4'4 Cortr4H.777.77.'ltf- serves the entire Ernie Salgado Native American Parental Asistance Program San Jacinto, CA 92383 909-654-2781 P.O. Box 366. state in which it . ',)anna Garnett Colorado Parent Information & Resource; Ctr Dtimiiii; -06 .80202 7,-',"36344§60f. is located or a 1445 Market St. Suite220 region of that Audrey EppersonGreater Washington Urban League Wash, DC 20010 202-265-8200 state, and 3501 14th St, NW Mary Lindsey Florida Center for Parental Involvement Tampa, FL 33604 813-229-3179 includes both 7406 Dixon Ave. urban and rural Jo Granberry Parental Training Resource Assistance Ctr Albany, GA 31702- 1726 912-888-0999 areas. While P.O. Box 1726 Relenann LauberParents.&ChildrinTogether 1. Hondliikr, HI 96919" 898-441-617: information and . 1475.Unapuni:Street 9m.1177A,. assistance may norm Mirr Iowa Parent Resource Ctr Iowa City, IA 52246 319-354-5606 be provided to 1025 Penkridge Dr. any parent, the Judy L. Planck Parental Astistance Program Flemingsburg,,Ky 41041 606-845-0081 centers are 203 High St.l''" Christine SnookFamily Resource Projeci kugusta, ME 04338-2067207-582-2504 required to target P.O. Box 2067 areas with high Carol Walsh Parenting Raidurce & Support Partnership RockVille.; MD' 301-294-4959 concentrations of 332 W. EdMonston Dr. Pa!iner SwansonMass. Parent Training iiEmpowerment ProjectCambridge, MA 02139 617-253-7093 low-income, MIT Building 20, Room 129 minority, and Deanna DePree FaMilies United fdr Success Holland, MI 49423... 616-396-7566 272 East eth Street, Spite B limited-English- . . proficient Sharmin Davis Families & SchoolsTogether(FAST) Forward Minneapolis, MN 55417 612-827-2966 Jamison 4826 Chicago Ave., South parents. Diana S. SchmidtMissouri Partnership for Parenting Assistance St. Louis, MO 63102 314-421-1970 300 S. Broadway Leisa Whittum Center for Healthy Families Las Vege'S, NV 89109 702-731-8373 3196 S. Maryland Parkway #307 Deborah Bennis Building Family Strengths Concord, NH 03302-1422603-224-7005 P.O. Box 1422 Joanne Oppelt Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey Newark, NJ 07102-3031 201-643-3710 35 Halsey Street, Suite 300 Patricia EdwardsCONNECTIONS Geneseo, NY 1445.4 716-245-5681 P.O. Box 545 Claudia 011ivierreParents in Partnership Project Davidson, NC 28036 704-892-1321 P.O. Box 16 Elizabeth YaryanOhio Parent Information Ctr. Cincinnati, OH 45227 513-272-0273 4837 Ward St. Pat Lowther Parents As Partners in Education Oklahoma City, OK 73118405-840-1359 4801 N. Classen, Suite 200 Barbara MooneyS.W. Penn. Parental Assistance Center ProjectWaynesburg, PA 15370 412-852-2893 22 West High St. Mary BaumeisterBlack Hills Parent Resource Network Sturgis, SD 57785 605-347-4467 P.O. Box 218 Marilyn Tucker Parents First Nashville, TN 37228 615-255-4982 421 Great Circle Road, Suite 104 Mary Ellen NuddFamily Focus Project Austin, TX 78757 512-454-3706 8401 Shoal Creek Blvd. Sue Harding Vermont Family Resource Project Middlebury, VT 05753 802-388-3171 P.O. Box 646 Marilyn LittlejohnChildren's HomeSociety ofWashington Seattle, WA 98408 206-472-3355 201 South 34th St. Susan R. WerleyParents Plus Menasha, WI 54952-0452414-729-1787 P.O. Box 452 Working Together, Communities Can Prepare Students for 21st Century, Town Meeting Audience Learns When schools, businesses, and higher educa- communicating to schools the specific skills that tion work together, each community can employees will need on the job. "We work very maximize educational opportunities for its closely with the local education people in most of citizens and best achieve its vision for prosper- the cities where we have facilities," he said. "We ity. The February Satellite Town Meeting say, Here are the needs we have today for entry- brought together a panel of local leaders from level, and here are the needs for more proficient across the country who described their success- people. We work together on a program and ful partnerships between schools, community contribute either funds or the time of our employ- colleges, businesses, and chambers of com- ees." merce. Kay Davis, Executive Director of the Business The important role that community colleges Roundtable for Education of the Greater San play in helping citizens of all ages reach their Diego Chamber of Commerce, emphasized how learning goals waS emphasized. Gene working with businesses can help teachers bring McDonald, a trustee of Westmoreland County the real world into the classroom and make Community College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, education more meaningful for students. "The shared how students at his college can begin teachers see for themselves how you can close the with the building block of a GED if they have relevancy gap, answering the question, Why am I missed a basic high school education. "Acces- making you do this day after day to this level of sibility is the key to community colleges. If we perfection?" fail to admit one person who wants to come, we At the Town Meeting's close, Deputy Secretary have failed our mission." Kunin summed up the key to successful commu- Panelists agreed that community colleges nity partnerships in education: challenge students respond to the specific needs of the areas they to high academic standards, define the skills serve, in general education and business train- students will need in the workplace, integrate ing. "Almost anything the community wants, it classroom and on-the-job learning, involve can find at the community college," said business and community partners in planning Vernon Crawley, President of Moraine Valley curriculum, and promote lifelong learning.la Community College in Palos Hills, Illinois. Education Secretary Richard Riley noted that community colleges help Americans realize School officials across the country are their dreams for their children's education, preparing for a record enrollment increase citing a poll that over 98 percent of Americans of approximately one million more public hope their children will go on to college. Cha and private school students for the next Guzman, Vice President of the Cypress Creek school year.In accordanCe with sound campus of Austin Community College in Texas, planning and state law, local school gave an example of how community colleges can help high school students make the transi- districts are drafting their budgets tor the tion into higher education. Local high school 1996-97 school year. However. the absence students in her district can be co-enrolled in her of a full-year appropriation of educabon community college to take classes of interest. fundmq from Congress p; keeping districts The special relationship between the educa- in a state of uncertaintyThe current short- tion and business sectors of the community to term continuing resolution,)which expires prepare students for careers and train the future workforce was another theme of the program. March 15. cuts about S3 billion horn Yvonne Katz, superintendent of the Beaverton education and potentially eliminates 50.000 school district in Oregon, described her teachingf job.sTo occormnodati Mc growth community's broad collaboration to prepare in student enrollment next dr.stricts students for careers. "In Portland we partnered would need fn hiro ,tpor 0 X 107,lb,l,c).000 with our local businesses, our major corpora- new teachers a 100.000 teacher gap tions, with our Beaverton area Chamber of Commerce, and with all the school districts of between cuts in funding for teacher,, and Washington County. We came together to the need ler new tr,icher% to covi,r ..todent discuss, What are those needs of the next enro'llinent InCre;n,l",Cvntinued movath ifl century and how do we plan together?" student enrollment e, expected ever the Richard White, Executive Vice President of next de'cade, which will in,ignily the impact l3ayer Corporation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, of cuts m federal oduiLation hinding discussed how business can be helpful in 6 U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION POSTAGE AND FEES PAIDI WASHINGTON, D C 20202-0498 U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PerrnIt NO G 17 OFFICIAL BUSINESS PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE 8300

Issue No. 33

114373 Goil Motnews ERIC Processing ond Refev,emeeFacility 13C1 P:ccord Drive Suite 300 Rockville, MO 208S0-4305

stronger inner fiber to make important decisions We know, for example, that by the year 2000 about their own personal lives. just four years from now 60 percent of all Our fourth challenge is to recognize that we will new jobs will require advanced skills. Yet, today, never help our young people especially those only 20 percent of our workforce possesses the living in poverty to measure up if we lower skills needed to move ahead. Good paying jobs their expectations, water down their curriculum, require more of an education. and write them off by categorizing and stigmatiz- Keeping the doors to college wide open is our ing them. seventh great challenge. For more than fifty President Clinton and I urge every community years, we have made access to higher education and state, each in its own way, to reach for new part of the American Dream. Yet today, the levels of excellence. We will continue to support burden of paying for college is being placed more the good work now being done in so many local and more on students and their families. communities through the Goals 2000 initiative. In the last twenty years, forty million Ameri- Goals 2000 gives schools the extra money they cans have used a federal student loan to pay for never get to improve themselves. their college education. Today, two-thirds of all We need to press on in our effort to open up student financial aid dollars in this country come public education to new ways of doing business. from my department. I am pleased to tell you that Technology is very much at the heart of our we have cut the student loan default rate in half. national effort to bring America's schools up to and we are collecting on many more defaulted date. loans, saving taxpayers millions of dollars. We need to "fast forward' our efforts. This is Yet despite this good progress, we face diffietil- our national mission. If we persevere we will ties reaffirming this national commitment to achieve President Clinton's goal of making sure opening the doors to higher education even wider. Community that every library, school and classroom in this I urge the Congress to preserve and expand our Update N ii nation is wired and on-line by the year 2000. "dirt.ct lending program," which has the support Getting computers into America's classrooms of America's mgher education community. Nro has to be seen as just one step in our growing We are at the gateway of a new time. This is effort to move American education into the future. absolutely the wrong time to cut our investment Public school choice, schools-within-schools, and in education at all levels and the wrong time Assist.int the expansion of the charter school movement are for Congress to be so out of touch with the Secretary three other winning examples of American creativ- American people. ity. The story of America in this century is the story ServorDmTtor Our sixth great challenge is helping our young of giving each new generation of Americans the people to make something of themselves in these opportunity to advance themselves through Editor new economic times. Today, too many of our education. We did not become the world's

I young people see no connection between what greatest superpower, the most productive nation Dosidrwi they learn in school and the skills they need to in the world, on a foundation of ignorance. function in real life. And too many business We need to recognize that the success and leaders rightly complain that high school graduates freedom of being an American is the freedom of come to them without the skills for today's jobs. excellence. Ex