Report of Regents P-12 Education/Higher Education Joint Meeting Committee to The Board of Regents
Your P-12 Education Committee and Higher Education Committee held a joint meeting on October 21, 2013. All members were present.
MATTERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD ACTION
Safe Schools Update – The Committee was updated on the work of the Safe Schools Task Force. The Task Force met on May 8 and discussed strong progress made in three school districts in creating a safe and health school climate. Following that discussion, four workgroups were identified to move this important agenda forward:
- Engaging Students in Building Positive School Climate
- School Reporting (DASA/VADIR)
- Legislative and Regulatory Issues
- Building Security and Infrastructure.
On November 14, 2013 the next meeting of the Task Force will be held and will be charged by the Vice Chancellor with specific tasks to be accomplished by each workgroup and a general timeline for reporting out. [P-12 (D) 1]
Diagnostic Tool for School and District Effectiveness – The Committee was updated on the Department’s progress in implementing the Diagnostic Tool for School and District Effectiveness, a key component of New York’s approved Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Flexibility Waiver and of New York’s strategy for turning around low performing schools. Committee members requested that a more detailed discussion be held in November and December. [P-12 (D) 2]
New Certification Assessments Update – The Committee was updated on the implementation of new, more rigorous certification assessments. Committee members discussed the standard setting process for the edTPA and accept the New York State educator panel recommendations for two cut scores: one to represent “minimum competence” in the classroom that positively contributes to student learning and one to represent master of the skills, knowledge and abilities necessary for effective teaching.
School Counselor Program Requirements – The Committee discussed the current School Guidance Program Requirements for K-12 and the School Counselor Requirements for higher education preparation programs. Discussion focused on the need to create consistency and alignment between the regulatory language as it relates to elementary and secondary guidance programs and to teacher preparation programs for individuals receiving certification in the field of counseling. This will ensure that school counselors can contribute to and assist in leading the work of preparing students to be college and career ready. Committee members requested that a sharper definition of “Guidance Counselor” be provided in future reports.
USNY Technology Policy and Practice Council (TPPC) Update – The TPPC was created almost ten years ago by the Board of Regents as a representative group of USNY members who could advise them on technology issues. The Committee was joined by the Co-Chairs of the TPPC in a discussion on assessment and online learning, including content, capacity and use. The Co-Chairs are Dr. Ellen B. Meier from Teacher’s College at Columbia University and John E. Kolb from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). Issues of concern expressed by the group relating to testing are access, preparation and practice for testing; teacher support; and privacy and security. Concerns around online learning focused on financial pressures, and the need to solve social challenges such as increasing graduation rates and better matching workforce needs. The next meeting of the TPPC is tentatively scheduled for December 18 in New York City.