SPECIAL EDITION Fall Conference

• New in Las Vegas, p.3 • Leaders Reappointed, p.7 • Conference pictorial, p.8 LEGISLATIVE • Deficit Dialogue,p.10

The Nation’s Voice for Urban Education November/December 2010 Vol. 19, No. 8 www.cgcs.org

Council Report On Black Males Heard At Senate Hearing

Issuing a wake-up call, the Council of the Great City Schools recently released an eye-opening report indicating that young black males in America are in a state of crisis. “The results are not anything we should be proud of as a nation,” said Council Ex- CBS News journalist Byron Pitts, left, moderates the Council’s town hall meeting on Black Male Achievement featuring, left to ecutive Director Michael Casserly of the right, Schott Foundation President John Jackson, Buffalo Schools Superintendent James Williams, Executive Director of Con- new report in recent testimony before the cerned Black Men George Garrow, Palm Beach Schools Black Male Task Force leader Gloria Crutchfield, Kansas City (Mo.) school U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Children board president Airick West and Tampa student Tevin Sutton. and Families. “On almost every indicator of well-be- Challenges Facing Black Males ing we looked at, our black male young people were coming up on the short end, Take Center Stage at Town Hall Meeting despite the fact that many city school sys- tems were showing progress.” The report, A Call for Change: The Social TAMPA--When Tampa student Tevin Pitts was born and raised in and Educational Factors Contributing to the Sutton began his first day of high school, to a single mother and didn’t learn to read he walked to school with about 20 of his until the age of 12. Council Report continued on page 4 friends from the neighborhood. Four years “I am a witness to the power of educa- later, only three or four of the senior’s tion,” said the award-winning journalist. friends are still making that walk with Town Hall continued on page 6 him. “The rest of them have dropped out, are in GED programs, and some are even in Change at the Top jail,” said Sutton, a 12th-grade honors stu- L e a d e r s h i p dent at Middleton High School. at the helm of at The experiences of Sutton and his least nine big-city friends took center stage at a riveting 90- school systems has minute town hall meeting in conjunction undergone change with the Council of the Great City Schools’ or will be chang- 54th Annual Fall Conference here. ing. Cathleen Black The town hall on Black Male Achieve- School districts ment was moderated by Byron Pitts, CBS in , Chicago, Las Vegas, News national chief and corre- Washington, , Pittsburgh, New- spondent, who said the issue not only mat- ark, Louisville and Little Rock are ex- ters to him as a journalist but on a personal periencing transition at the top post. level as well. Change continued on page 3 INSIDE THE COUNCIL NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

Philadelphia Superintendent Named Nation’s Top Urban Educator

TAMPA—Arlene Ackerman was se- lected as the superintendent of The School District of Philadelphia in 2008, and under her leadership the school system launched a five-year strategic plan, Imagine 2014, focusing on providing significant resourc- es to struggling schools. As a result, half of the district’s students for the first time scored at the proficient or advanced level on Pennsylvania’s standardized test. For her efforts, Ackerman was recently presented with the Richard R. Green Award at the Council of the Great City Schools’ 54th Annual Fall Conference here. Sponsored by the Council, ARA- MARK Education and Cambium Learn- ing Group, the award is presented annu- Philadelphia Schools Superintendent Arlene Ackerman ,center, holds her $10,000 oversize check and is congratu- ally to the nation’s top urban education lated by ARAMARK’s Dennis Maple, Cambium’s Carolyn Getridge, Atlanta Schools Superintendent Beverly Hall leader in memory of Green, who led the and Council Executive Michael Casserly. Minneapolis and New York City public school systems. She said that the progress being As the recipient of the award, Acker- Upon accepting the award, Ackerman made in Philadelphia has demonstrated man receives a $10,000 college scholarship, noted that she is two generations away that it doesn’t take a long time to make which she can present to a 2011 graduate of from grandparents who were sharecrop- change happen if everyone is on the her choice in the Philadelphia school system pers and never attended school past the same page. or from her high school alma mater. eighth grade. “I am a product of the pub- “If we focus on children, we can get lic school system, and I believe in public this work done for them,” said Acker- schools,” she proclaimed. man.

Executive Director Editor Associate Editor Michael Casserly Henry Duvall Tonya Harris [email protected] [email protected]

Council officers A newsletter published by the Council of the Great City Schools, representing 65 of the nation’s largest urban public school districts. Chair Dilafruz Williams Albuquerque Chicago Fort Worth Louisville Oklahoma City St. Louis Board Member, Portland, Ore. Anchorage Cincinnati Fresno Memphis Omaha St. Paul Chair-elect Atlanta Clark Co. Greensboro -Dade Orange Co. San Diego Beverly Hall Austin Cleveland Houston Milwaukee Palm Beach San Francisco Superintendent, Atlanta Baltimore Columbus Indianapolis Minneapolis Philadelphia Seattle Birmingham Dallas Jackson Nashville Pittsburgh Shreveport Secretary-Treasurer Dayton Jacksonville Newark Portland Tampa Candy Olson Broward Co. Denver Kansas City New Orleans Providence Toledo Board Member, Hillsborough Buffalo Des Moines Little Rock New York City Richmond Washington DC County (Tampa) Charleston Detroit Long Beach Norfolk Rochester Wichita Charlotte East Baton Rouge Los Angeles Oakland Sacramento

All news items should be submitted to: Urban Educator Council of the Great City Schools 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Suite 702 • Washington, DC 20004 (202) 393-2427 • (202) 393-2400 (fax)

 | Urban Educator Urban Educator |  NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010 INSIDE THE COUNCIL

Change continued from page 1 led D.C. schools for more than three years In the nation’s largest public school after the mayor took control. Urban Superintendents system, New York City will have a new chancellor in Cathleen Black, a publishing Award-Winning Leader Staying at Helm Longer executive, appointed by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. But for her to be In Atlanta, longtime Superintendent The average tenure of current su- seated as chancellor, the state had to issue a Beverly Hall announced Nov. 20 that she perintendents leading the nation’s larg- waiver since she is not an educator. would step down from the helm in June. est urban public school districts has Black, chairwoman of Hearst Maga- She was the nation’s superintendent of the increased to nearly four years, or 3.64 zines, will succeed Joel Klein, who resigned year in 2009 and is a recipient of the coun- years, in 2010 from little more than two in early November to take a post at News try’s top prize in urban school leadership, years, or 2.33 years, in 1999, according Corporation. Klein was appointed in 2002 the Council of the Great City Schools’ to a new survey by the Council of the by Mayor Bloomberg after the mayor took Richard Green Award. Great City Schools. control of the school system. “I will be taking on new educational The increase shows a 56 percent jump In Chicago, Terry Mazany, president challenges when my contract expires in in superintendent tenure since 1999 that and chief executive officer of the Chicago June 2011,” she said in a statement. She has gradually risen every year, the report Community Trust, has been named inter- took the reins of Atlanta Public Schools in -- Urban School Superintendents: Charac- im CEO of the nation’s third largest school 1999, and has been nationally recognized teristics, Tenure and Salary -- points out. system. He replaces Ron Huberman, who for her leadership in advancing student “Urban school superintendents are resigned in late November after less than achievement. staying in their districts for longer pe- two years at the helm. His announcement In an announcement that reportedly riods of time, which is reflected in the came in advance of Chicago Mayor Rich- came as a surprise, Pittsburgh Public average tenure of immediate past super- ard Daley’s planned departure in May. The Schools Superintendent Mark Roosevelt intendents of 5.1 years in 2010,” stressed Chicago school system is also under may- in early October told the school board Council Executive Director Michael oral control. that he would resign in December after Casserly. “Superintendent stability con- The country’s five years at the helm. He noted plans to tributes to academic success in an urban fifth largest pub- become president of Antioch College in school system.” lic school system, Ohio. The new report is the Council’s sev- Clark County On Dec. 13, the Pittsburgh school enth survey in a series of Urban Indicator School District board appointed Deputy Superintendent publications. Highlights of the 11-page in Las Vegas, will Linda Lane as the first African-American report include the demographics of ur- have a new super- woman to be named permanent superin- ban school superintendents, showing intendent taking tendent. approximately 47 percent white, 41 per- the reins soon. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie in early cent black and 11 percent Hispanic, as Dwight Jones In mid-October, September decided not to renew New- well as 74 percent men and 27 percent the school board ark Superintendent Clifford Janey’s three- women in 2010. Data are also given on formally approved a four-year contract year contract. Janey took the reins of the previous work experience, accountability, for Colorado Commissioner of Education state-controlled school system in 2008, salaries, benefits and bonuses. Dwight Jones to lead the school system. appointed by former New Jersey Gov. Jon He will succeed Walt Ruffles, who no- Corzine. tified the school board last March of his In Louisville, Ky., the school board in Council Offers intention not to renew his contract. He late November voted 5-2 not to renew served as superintendent since 2006. Jefferson County Public Schools Superin- Scholarships Another school system under mayoral tendent Sheldon Berman’s contract. Ber- control also lost its school chief. Michelle man reportedly plans to finish his contract, The Council of the Great City Schools Rhee, chancellor of the District of Colum- which expires at the end of June. He took last summer honored four students from bia school system, resigned in mid-Octo- the helm in 2007. school districts in Dallas, Miami, Tampa ber after Washington, D.C. Mayor Adrian And in early December, Little Rock and Albuquerque, respectively, as Exxon- Fenty lost his bid for reelection. School District Superintendent Linda Mobil Bernard Harris Math and Science The then-presumptive mayor-elect Watson announced her resignation, report- Scholars. Vincent Gray named Rhee’s deputy, Kaya edly stepping down in mid-January. She Now the Council is kicking off its sec- Henderson, as interim chancellor of pub- has led Arkansas’ largest school system for ond year of the program, making schol- lic schools in the nation’s capital. Rhee had the past three-and-a-half years. Council Scholarships continued on page 9

 | Urban Educator Urban Educator |  INSIDE THE COUNCIL NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

Council Report continued from page 1 performed at or above profi- cient levels, compared with Outcomes of Black Males in Urban Schools, 38 percent of white males presents stark data on the differences be- nationwide. In eighth grade, tween black and white academic and social only 9 percent of black males achievement from the cradle to adulthood, across the country and 8 describing “comprehensive challenges” fac- percent living in large cities ing African-American males nationwide performed at or above the and in the major cities. proficient level in reading, Since the report’s Nov. 9 release at compared with 33 percent Washington’s National Press Club, it has of white males nationwide. received nationwide attention, garnering Math results were similar in coverage from major news outlets such as both grades. Council Executive Michael Casserly testifies before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee the New York Times, Washington Post, USA on Children and Families about the Council’s report on black males. TODAY, CBS and NBC News, as well as Moreover, the average Af- Photo Credit: U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. National Public Radio. rican-American fourth- and The study points out that there has been eighth-grade male who is not poor does no white males of the same age (8.6 percent). no concerted national effort to improve better in reading and math on NAEP than In 2008, black males ages 18 and over ac- the education, social and employment out- white males who are poor; and black males counted for 5 percent of the college popu- comes of African-American males, who without disabilities do no better than white lation, while black males accounted for 36 are not receiving appropriate attention males with disabilities. percent of the nation’s prison population. from federal, state and local governments Although the report presents dismal or community organizations. In black male achievement in selected data, it also profiles black males who are “This is a national catastrophe, and it big-city school districts, 50 percent of succeeding in urban public schools and are deserves coordinated national attention,” fourth- and eighth-grade black males in on the path to success in their chosen ca- stresses the report, calling for a White most urban districts and nationwide scored reers. House initiative. below Basic levels. Plan of Action In his Nov. 18 testimony on Capitol Hill, Casserly asked the Senate subcom- In college and career preparedness, black In a plan of action at the conclusion of mittee chaired by Sen. Christopher Dodd males were nearly twice as likely to drop the report, the Council calls for a White (D-Conn.) to have the report entered into out of high school as white males. In 2008, House conference on the issues to help lay the record. 9 percent of black males dropped out of out a comprehensive plan of action that Study Findings high school compared with 5 percent of leaders at all levels can pursue. The orga- white males. nization also aims to marshal the help of The study focuses on six areas of the lives school district, state, national and univer- of African-American males. Highlights of In addition, black male students nation- sity leaders, as well as civic and faith-based the report’s findings show: ally scored an average 104 points lower leaders and governmental officials to- ad than white males on the SAT college-en- dress black-male issues. In readiness to learn, black children were trance examination in reading. And black Casserly told the Senate subcommittee twice as likely to live in a household where students generally were about one-third on children and families, “Congress may no parent had full-time or year-round em- as likely to meet ACT college readiness not be able to solve all the complicated ployment in 2008. And in 2007, one out of benchmarks as white students. issues surrounding this situation, but it is every three black children lived in poverty, hard to believe that additional focus on this compared with one out of every 10 white In school experience, black students were issue would not pay enormous dividends.... children. less likely to participate in academic clubs, “The great civil rights battles that so more likely to be suspended from school, many on this panel fought were not fought In black male achievement at the nation- and more likely to be retained in grade so our kids could have access to mediocrity; al level, first-time analysis of the National than their white peers. they were fought over access to excellence Assessment for Educational Progress and the resources to pay for it.” he stressed, (NAEP) reveals that on the 2009 fourth- In postsecondary experience, the 2010 noting that America squanders so much of grade reading assessment only 12 percent unemployment rate among black males its human talent. of black male students nationally and 11 ages 20 and over (17.3 percent) was twice The report can be read at: http://www. percent of those living in large central cities as high as the unemployment rate among cgcs.org/publications/achievement.aspx

 | Urban Educator Urban Educator |  NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010 INSIDE THE COUNCIL

Actor and Journalists Address Big-City School Leaders

TAMPA—Hill Harper is an actor, a step up taught me the power of change,” best-selling author of three books and a said Ifill. graduate of Brown and Harvard universi- Years later, she watched another com- ties as well as a graduate of a public high manding presence on the stage of the school in Sacramento, Calif. Democratic national convention in 2004 Harper knows he would not be where he when Barack Obama gave the keynote is today without the education he received, speech. but sometimes wonders how he managed That moment eventually led to her writ- to attend two Ivy League institutions. ing her best-selling book, The Breakthrough: “No one at the high school I went to at- Hill Harper Politics and Race in the Age of Obama. tended an Ivy League college,” he said. He According to Ifill, the book is about noted that the school had three counselors ents to be active in her school. breakthroughs and people breaking through for 3,500 students and while there were “She has seen results that are amazing city halls, statehouses and Congress. many committed individuals at the school in this small little bubble in Compton,” who wanted him to succeed, they didn’t said Harper, just because she had the heart have the tools. to knock on people’s doors. “That’s why I’m so committed to young He then read aloud a letter from a 16- people,” Harper told more than 800 big- year-old male named Brian who was in city school superintendents, board mem- jail and wrote to Harper about how much bers, administrators and deans of colleges he loved his book. “Many boys don’t have of education assembled in Tampa for the role models, but you are my role model,” Council of the Great City Schools’ 54th Brian wrote. Annual Fall Conference. The author said that he is tired of re- The actor said he interacts with thou- ceiving letters from the Brians of the Gwen Ifill sands of young people across the country, world and that society has failed this and as a result decided to write a motiva- young man. “They are smart, motivated and engaged tional book for youth. However, his book “It’s letters like this and all the young and have realized that going along to get was declined by several publishers with one people I meet that give me the passion along is not the formula for success, and telling him that it would not make financial and courage to battle on the front lines,” goals that seemed out of reach were worth sense to publish a book for a population said Harper. “Let’s start doing whatever it reaching for anyway,” said Ifill. that doesn’t read. takes by any means necessary to change The moderator of Washington Week on “I guarantee you if I write a book they our system. The Brians of our cities- de PBS urged conferees to speak up about are interested in they will read it,” Harper serve better.” the issues they are passionate about. “That’s told the publisher. Eventually, he found what I did when I defended the women a publisher and his first book, Letters to a Breakthroughs in Politics of Rutgers,” said Ifill, referring to the in- Young Brother, went to the top of the New cident when radio host Don Imus insulted York Times best-seller list. Conferees also heard from Gwen Ifill, the Rutgers University women’s basketball He followed it with Letters to a Young the senior correspondent with The News- team. Sister because “I want young women to look Hour with Jim Lehrer. During a question-and-answer session, in the mirror and say they are exceptional.” Ifill, who moderated the nation’s 2008 Ifill was asked for her opinion about the Harper noted that because young peo- vice presidential debate, became interested 24-hour news cycle being driven by cable ple tend to model adults behavior, “we as in politics when Shirley Chisholm became TV. adults have to take a look in the mirror at the first woman and African American to She said there has to be room for other ourselves.” run for president in 1972. options such as The NewsHour. He urged urban educators to have cour- And she was inspired four years later “College students will tell me they only age and take the risks that need to be taken when Barbara Jordan became the first watch Jon Stewart [host of The Daily Show to improve the nation’s educational system. woman and the first African American to on Comedy Central],” said Ifill. “I then Harper recalled meeting a principal in give the keynote speech at the Democratic ask them do you know who Jon Stewart Compton, Calif., who knocked on every national convention. watches? He watches me.” door in the neighborhood and pushed par- “Seeing people who looked like me Actor, Journalists, continued on page 7

 | Urban Educator Urban Educator |  INSIDE THE COUNCIL NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

Town Hall continued from page 1

“I’m mindful of what can happen when well and also a mother who supported him good people give of themselves to tell a academically. young black boy that despite where you are “What can educators do to solve the right now, you can make it.” problem?” Pitts asked. In addition to Sutton, the panel also fea- Jackson listed three things: guarantee tured John Jackson, president of the Schott every child access to early education, devel- Foundation; James Williams, superinten- op a recovery system for students who are dent of Buffalo Public Schools; George behind and ensure students have a rigorous Garrow, the national executive director of college preparatory curriculum. Concerned Black Men; Gloria Crutchfield, Left to right, Moderator Byron Pitts takes a question “Every child doesn’t have to go to col- the Palm Beach Schools Black Male Task from the audience as Schott Foundation President John lege,” said Jackson, “but every child, when Jackson, Buffalo Schools Superintendent James Williams th Force leader; and Airick West, president of and Concerned Black Men Executive Director George they get to 12 grade, should have the op- the Kansas City (Mo.) School Board. Garrow look on. portunity to make that choice.” How bad is the problem facing young Williams believes that school districts black males? Pitts asked the panelists. cation Act, the achievement gap between should require mandatory preschool and Kansas City’s West said that the unem- blacks and whites started to close. kindergarten, a longer school day and de- ployment rate for black men in his com- “Then in the early ‘80s, there was a shift velop rigorous courses for all students. munity is double the rate of everyone else in how we approached civil rights and the Garrow told big-city educators that and college is not seen as an option for gap opened and it has been opened ever they must develop specific interventions many black youths. since,” said Jackson. for young black males. “I live in a neighborhood where every Garrow, who is a lawyer, cited how the Crutchfield said the nation must re- single week we are losing at least one of our ‘80s crack epidemic in urban areas led to spect the teaching profession. “We must black males [to violence],” said West. mandatory minimum sentences and incar- prepare teachers the way they need to be According to Jackson, only 47 percent ceration rates skyrocketed for black males. prepared and pay them what they deserve of black males graduating from high school “Is too much made of politics and not to be paid.” a year presents a national problem. “You enough made of parental and community can’t separate a 28 percent graduation rate responsibility?” Pitts asked the panelists. in New York City for black males with the West believes that parenting was never fact that 50 percent of black males in New designed to be an isolated practice, but a York City are unemployed.” he says. communal one where everyone took part in He noted that there is a link between caring for young people. education and the economy, and unem- To prove his point, he asked audience ployed black males do not pay into the members to stand up and identify the place nation’s tax system, social security or health in their community that had the highest system. needs. He then told them to sit down if “Our economy can’t grow under those they did not live in that community. Only a Student Tevin Sutton is a scholar-athlete. constraints,” Jackson stressed. few people were left standing. Pitts asked the panelists if they could “We don’t have a failure to parent that West advocates that citizens personally provide a sense of where things went is as nearly as strong as our failure to be a invest in the lives of students by becom- wrong. community,” declared West. ing mentors and tutors and school districts “Our public education system was not According to Crutchfield, one cannot target resources geographically to the most geared to educate all children,” said Wil- undereducate anyone and expect to have underserved areas and invest in early child- liams. “Blacks were not in the equation.” great results. “If you put students into less hood education. He believes that all of society’s ills were than standard curriculum experiences, you And Sutton believes that schools should placed at the doorstep of public education, are going to get less than stellar students create more dropout prevention programs. which was ill equipped to handle all of and young people who are not going to At the end of the town hall, Pitts invited children’s social, emotional and academic graduate.” Andrés Alonso, the chief executive officer needs. Sutton, who is an honor student as well of Baltimore City Public Schools, to share “It’s a historical problem and we are just as captain of his football team, was asked to what is working in his district. Alonso not- feeling the result of many years of neglect,” explain why he is so successful in school. ed that in 2007, 1,400 black males dropped Superintendent Williams emphasized. He recalled that in middle school he out of the school system compared to 500 Jackson said that after the passage of had a teacher who encouraged him to do in 2010. the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Edu- Town Hall continued on page 7

 | Urban Educator Urban Educator |  NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010 INSIDE THE COUNCIL

Four Superintendents Extend Their Tenures Actor, Journalists, continued from page 5

Carol Comeau be- Comeau, a former chair of the Council gan her career in Alas- of the Great City Schools, is also one of ka’s Anchorage School the longest-serving urban school superin- District in 1974 as a tendents in the nation. noon duty attendant Also receiving a and teacher aide and contract extension was has held several posi- Melody Johnson, the tions in the district superintendent of Tex- John Quiñones Carol Comeau since then, culminating as’ Fort Worth Inde- with being named superintendent in 2000. pendent School Dis- The school board recently praised her trict since 2006. The The Power of Journalism strong leadership by extending her contract school board extended through June 2013. In a news statement, Johnson’s contract un- Also addressing the conference was the board noted that over the past year she Melody Johnson til 2013. John Quiñones, co-anchor of the ABC has implemented a new student-informa- During Johnson’s News show Primetime Live. tion system, administered an array of stim- tenure, the school system opened its first He recalled a story he did in Colombia, ulus-funded projects and developed a new single-gender school, the achievement gap South America, about homeless children value-based budgeting process. has narrowed and the district’s largest bond who lived in the sewer system. The night package was approved. after the story aired millions in donations Town Hall continued from page 6 In an effort to pre- came in and the children were pulled out pare students for college of the sewer. He credits the district’s success to go- or career, Oregon’s Port- “I’m able to shine the lights of journal- ing door-to-door identifying dropouts, the land Public Schools de- ism on the darkest corners of the world,” board closing schools that functioned as veloped a framework to said Quiñones dropout factories, and bringing churches track student achieve- The Emmy-award winner, who spoke and community organizations to the table. ment in grades K-12. no English until he went to school, recalls Alonso said that while he has intensely The set of student that in junior high he was put on a voca- focused on the issue, the entire community Carole Smith achievement measures tional track. must participate in order for the effort to was developed under But Quiñones was determined to “beat be successful. the leadership of Portland Superintendent the odds” and transferred to a better school, “If the entire community doesn’t em- Carole Smith, and is one of the reasons the where he was encouraged to pursue a career brace a challenge, there is too much change school board recently decided to extend her in journalism. He also participated in the in leadership in the superintendency for it contract through June 2013. Upward Bound program, which changed to be sustainable,” said Alonso. Smith has served as the superintendent his life. “If half of our kids are not graduating, since 2007. “They said to me you can go to college,” what does that say about us?” And in Rochester, said Quiñones, who holds a bachelor’s and The town hall meeting can be N.Y., the school board master’s degree. viewed in its entirety at: http://vimeo. recently re-appointed In addition to Primetime Live, Quiño- com/17343909. Superintendent Jean- nes hosts the hidden camera series, What Claude Brizard, enter- Would You Do? and played a videotape from ing into a new agree- an episode about a woman who came to ment with him that the aid of a man lying on a street pretend- runs through 2014. ing to be homeless. Jean-Claude Brizard He began leading the After the episode aired, money was col- school district in 2008. lected to help the woman. Brizard is credited with improvements “Linda Hamilton was partially para- in student performance and more students lyzed and homeless, but she did it because graduating high school in four years. her heart told her it was the right thing to “I am very pleased to be able to continue do,” said Quiñones. “So the next time you Andrés Alonso shares progress. the reform work that is underway...” said see something amiss, step in.” Brizard.

 | Urban Educator Urban Educator |  INSIDE THE COUNCIL NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

Pictorial of 54th Annual Fall Conference

Caddo Parish (Shreveport, La.) Schools Superintendent Gerald Dawkins shares his views at a session.

Journalist Gwen Ifill, far right, poses with the Council’s leadership, left to right, Past Chair Carol Johnson, Chair-elect Beverly Hall, and Chair Dilafruz Williams.

Hillsborough County (Tampa) Schools Superintendent MaryEllen Elia welcomes conferees to the 54th Annual Fall Conference.

Albuquerque Schools Superintendent Winston Brooks and Cleveland Schools Superintendent Eugene Sanders present information at a session on implementing the new common core standards.

Then-District of Columbia Schools Chancellor Michelle Photos by Clarence Tabb Jr. Rhee participates in a session on urban teacher contracts.

 | Urban Educator Urban Educator |  NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010 INSIDE THE COUNCIL

Newark Schools, State University Win Urban Impact Award

TAMPA—The Council of the Great City Colleges of Education, an affiliate group of deans working with big-city school leaders, presented the second annual Dr. Shirley S. Schwartz Urban Education Impact Award to Montclair State University and New- Oakland Schools Superintendent Anthony Smith makes a point at a conference session as Oakland board ark Public Schools for their Partner- member Jody London looks on. ship for Instructional Excellence and Quality program, designed to support, develop and maintain educators at ev- ery stage of their development. The award honors an outstanding partnership between a university and an urban school district and is named in honor of the Council’s director of special projects who died in March 2009. A student from Newark Public Schools, who attends or will be attend- ing Montclair State University, will re- ceive a $2,000 two-year scholarship.

Council Scholarships, continued from page 3

Miami Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho attends Memphis school board member Stephanie Gatewood arships available to African American and a conference session. participates in a session. Hispanic students pursuing college degrees and careers in science, technology, engi- neering and mathematics (STEM). Named for the first African American to walk in space, former NASA astronaut Bernard Harris, a physician and business- man, launched the math and science schol- arships to help satisfy the need for more STEM college graduates in the nation, es- pecially among minority students. Like the inaugural year, four $5,000 scholarships for two males and two fe- males each will be awarded to two African American and two Hispanic graduating seniors attending schools in the 65 school districts represented by the Council. The 2011 scholarship application is available on the Council’s web site at http://www.cgcs.org/Awards/ExxonMo- Sacramento Schools Superintendent Jonathan Raymond facilitates a conference session. bil2011.pdf

 | Urban Educator Urban Educator |  LEGISLATIVE COLUMN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

Deficit Dialogue By Jeff Simering,Director of Legislation

The recent elections, the Tea Party move- ment, and the National Commission on Fis- many examples of such behavior can be found cal Responsibility all converge on controlling even in the education arena. There is wide- the federal deficit. Yet, much of the action so spread concern that the most critical educa- far during the lame-duck session of the 111th tion programs are inadequately funded, but Congress would add to the national debt. The new programs are being created in a way that high level negotiations between Congressional will compete with the limited resources that leaders and the White House over the Bush- do exist. In addition, there has been an em- era tax rates and the estate tax, the Obama tax phasis on research-based or evidence-based cuts of 2009, the extended unemployment in- programs over the last 10 years, yet mar- surance benefits, and the FY11 appropriations ginally-effective approaches and unproven all boost the national debt. strategies continue to find their way into the national education agenda. And, with the No The irony of having a political debate about lowering the Child Left Behind (NCLB) being roundly criticized as pu- deficit while having members vote to do the opposite is more nitive, even harsher actions have been imposed under the than even the most cynical Washington-watchers can bear. Stimulus “reform” programs. Expecting Washington to be The proposal to reduce the deficit by $700 billion over 10 consistent is often a fool’s errand. years by not renewing the current top-tier tax rates and oth- er big-ticket tax breaks is not likely to survive the political In any case, there appear to be higher priorities for both need to not raise taxes on anyone -- even the most affluent. the political right and left than deficit reduction, despite Reports of a tentative agreement between the White House all the noise about the nation’s debt. The Council of the and selected members of Congress would cost nearly $900 Great City Schools does not usually take positions on such billion primarily over the next two years, including nearly mega-tax policies now under congressional consideration. $130 billion for the expiring top tax breaks and the estate But, the spasm of new tax and other expenditures that the tax; $112 billion for a 2 percent payroll tax cut for everyone, proposed tax deal represents will do nothing but create an $56 billion for extended unemployment insurance; $44 bil- atmosphere where members of Congress will later claim lion in tax credits for the poor, children, and higher educa- that they can’t increase education investments because all tion coursework; $112 billion for business investments; and the money is gone. And one need look no further than the $380 billion to extend the middle class and lower income proposed education freezes in the Continuing Resolution tax breaks and adjust the alternative mimimum tax. Believe (H.R. 3082) now pending in Congress for evidence to sup- it or not, the pending agreement exceeds the cost of the port that claim. 2009 Stimulus legislation or the 2008 bank bailout--and none of it is paid for. If one thought that the public’s con- It is notable that the National Commission on Fiscal Re- cern about the deficit was Congress’s paramount focus, then sponsibility has emphasized the need for America to invest the public should think again, for there are higher political in economic growth and competitiveness, including edu- priorities now at play. cation, infrastructure, and research. Yet, the Commission’s main charge to the White House and Congress is to “put up Outside the Capitol beltway, such stark differences be- or shut up” on the national deficit and debt. In the short run, tween rhetoric and reality appear simply nonsensical. But, it doesn’t look like we will see either one. Ballot Measures Pass in Three Urban Districts

Three urban school districts received a will provide funds to upgrade and improve Also receiving good news was Seattle vote of confidence from citizens at the bal- all district schools Public Schools, when voters approved a lot box. And St. Louis voters passed a bond issue three-year $48.2-million operations levy to Voters in Fresno, Calif., passed the that will provide $155 million for school provide funds for district programs, such as $280-million Measure Q school bond that building upgrades. full-day kindergarten.

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First Lady Inspires Anti-Obesity Programs K.C. Superintendent In Urban Schools Named One of Top Public Officials of 2010 Students at Maple Avenue School in Newark, N.J., grow their own vegetables, and healthy nutrition and exercise have When John Cov- been introduced into the science and math ington became super- curriculum. As a result, the school was the intendent of the Kansas site of a recent visit by First Lady Michelle City Missouri School Obama for the launch of her Let’s Move! District in 2009, he re- campaign in a partnership with the City of vamped the school sys- Newark and its school system. tem from the ground First Lady Michelle Obama talks with students at Miami’s Riv- The Let’s Move! anti-obesity campaign erside Elementary during her visit to the school to launch the up. In doing so, Govern- John Covington was launched nationwide last February to Let’s Move! initiative. Photo Credit: Miami-Dade County Public ing Magazine recently improve children’s health by empowering Schools named him one of its parents, providing healthy food in schools, eight 2010 Public Officials of the Year. improving access to healthy foods and in- And inspired by the Let’s Move! cam- In his first year as superintendent, Cov- creasing physical activity. paign, Orange County Public Schools in ington closed almost half of the district’s 61 During her visit, the first lady talked Orlando, Fla., is working with nationally schools and cut the workforce by a third. with students about their activities. renowned chefs in a pilot program to make All curricula were rewritten and 7th and Also receiving a recent visit from Obama cafeteria food healthier and taste better. 8th grades were moved to the high schools. was Miami’s Riverside Elementary School. The chefs are working with food service Also, a standards-based approach is now The first lady launched theLet’s Move! salad managers at 15 schools to design appealing used at elementary schools, which elimi- bar initiative, which will place salad bars in menu choices, training manuals and nutri- nates letter grades and grade levels and 6,000 schools across the nation. Riverside tion education programs. groups children by learning abilities. Elementary received the first salad bar of The new food selections, program and “[We have to] move with all deliberate the campaign. training courses will be offered this Janu- speed and continue to make those deci- ary. sions that we know are going to be in the best interest of children,” said Covington. “Why wait?”

Council Districts Receive Grants For Magnet Schools

Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools will open a new magnet school next year that will provide students training and real-world experience in the entertainment Barry Manilow Supports Las Vegas School District industry and music business. The school is one of six new magnet Legendary singer and songwriter Barry Manilow presents tens of thousands of schools the district will open, as a result of dollars of musical instruments to 15 Clark County School District middle and high a $4-million Magnet School grant from schools at a recent event in the Las Vegas-based school system. “The Las Vegas com- the U.S. Department of Education. The munity has been so kind to me; it is a pleasure to be bringing instruments to these kids,” grants, which were awarded to 36 school he said. “With public school music programs so severely depleted, it’s more important districts in 15 states, will provide funding than ever to do what we can to keep the music alive.” (Photo by Denise Truscello) Magnet Schools, continued on page 12

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Former Council Official Mining Accident in Chile Reminded Dies St. Paul Superintendent of Home

Milton Bins, The story of 33 Chilean miners who letters to Chile’s ambassador to the United deputy executive were trapped underground for 69 days States to deliver to the families. director of the captured the attention of people around The Chilean miners held a special inter- Council of the the world, including students in the Span- est to Silva, who grew up in a mining com- Great City Schools ish International Baccalaureate program at munity in Chile. She arrived in the United from 1985 to 1992, Highland Park Senior High School in St. States 25 years ago and started her career died Oct. 10 at his Paul, Minn. with the district as a teacher, rising to the home in Leesburg, The students wrote letters of encourage- position of superintendent last January. Fla., at age 75. ment to the miners and their families and Milton Bins Mr. Bins joined presented the letters to St. Paul Schools Magnet Schools, continued from page 11 the Council in 1974, Superintendent Valeria Silva, who sent the serving as a senior associate for programs to districts for up to three years. and policy before assuming the deputy ex- Big-city school districts also receiving ecutive director post. When he departed grants were: Los Angeles Unified School the Council in 1992, he became an educa- District ($3.6 million); San Diego Uni- tion consultant until he retired in 2000. fied School District ($2.6 million); Duval “Milton Bins provided critical leader- County Public Schools in Jacksonville, ship at the Council in the 1970s and 1980s Fla., ($4 million); Hillsborough County when the organization was undergoing Public Schools in Tampa, Fla., ($3.9 mil- substantial change,” says Council Executive lion); Broward County Public Schools Director Michael Casserly. “All who knew ($3.1 million); Wichita Public Schools ($1 him valued his input and commitment, and St. Paul Superintendent Valeria Silva, center, accepts the let- million); Houston Independent School will miss his passion and good humor.” ters students wrote to the Chilean miners and their families. District ($3.7 million); and New York City ($10.9 million).